Method for identifying a modulator of the binding of CCX CKR polypeptide to a chemokine

ABSTRACT

The invention provides polypeptides and polynucleotides encoding a novel chemokine receptor, CCX CKR. The invention further provides reagents and methods for identifying agents that modulate the activity or expression of the receptors, as well as methods for detecting receptor expression.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of Ser. No. 09/721,341 (filed Nov. 21, 2000), which is a divisional of Ser. No. 09/686,020 (filed Oct. 20, 2000), which claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application Nos. 60/159,015 (filed Oct. 12, 1999), 60/159,210 (filed Oct. 13, 1999), 60/172,979 (filed Dec. 20, 1999), 60/173,388 (filed Dec. 28, 1999), and 60/186,626 (filed Mar. 3, 2000). The disclosure of each of the aforementioned applications is expressly incorporated herein by reference, in its entirety and for all purposes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a human chemokine receptor, and to compositions and methods useful for diagnosing and treating physiologic and pathologic conditions mediated by the receptor and its ligand. The invention finds application in the biomedical sciences.

Chemokines are a class of cytokines that play important roles in inflammatory responses, leukocyte trafficking, angiogenesis, and other biological processes related to the migration and activation of cells. As mediators of chemotaxis and inflammation, chemokines play roles in pathological conditions. For example, the concentration of the chemokine MCP-1 is higher in the synovial fluid of patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis than that of patients suffering from other arthritic diseases.

Known chemokines are typically assigned to one of four subfamilies based on the arrangement of cysteine motifs. In the so-called alpha-chemokines, for example, the first two of four cysteines (starting from the amino terminus) are separated by an intervening amino acid (i.e., having the motif C-X-C). The beta-chemokines are characterized by the absence of an intervening amino acid between first two cysteines (i.e., comprising the motif C-C). The smaller gamma- and delta-chemokine families are characterized by a single C residue (gamma) or a pair of cysteines separated by three residues (delta; i.e., comprising the motif CX₃C). For a recent review on chemokines, see Ward et al., 1998, Immunity 9:1-11 and Baggiolini et al., 1998, Nature 392:565-568, and the references cited therein.

Chemokine activity may be mediated by receptors. For example, several seven-transmembrane-domain G protein-coupled receptors for C-C chemokines have been cloned: a C-C chemokine receptor-1 which recognizes MIP-1α, RANTES, MCP-2, MCP-3, and MIP-5 (Neote et al., 1993, Cell, 72:415-415); CCR2 which is a receptor for MCP1, 2, 3 and 4 or 5; CCR3 which is a receptor for RANTES, MCP-2, 3, 4, MIP-5 and eotaxin; CCR5 which is a receptor for MIP-1α, MIP-1β and RANTES; CCR4 which is a receptor for MDC or TARC; CCR6 which is a receptor for LARC; and CCR7 which is a receptor for SLC and ELC (MIP-3β; reviewed in Sallusto et al., 1998, Immunol. Today 19:568 and Ward et al., 1998, Immunity 9:1-11).

Due to the importance of chemokines and their receptors as mediators of chemotaxis and inflammation, a need exists for the identification, isolation, and characterization of members of the chemokine receptor family to facilitate modulation of inflammatory and immune responses.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the invention provides a new chemokine receptor, CCX CKR. In one embodiment, the invention provides an isolated, substantially pure, Qr recombinant CCX CKR polypeptide, or immunogenic fragment thereof. In one embodiment the polypeptide has the amino acid sequence identical to SEQ ID NO:2. In another embodiment, the polypeptide with an amino acid sequence that differs from SEQ ID NO:2 by conservative mutations, which is at least 60%, 80%, or 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:2, and/or that is immunologically cross-reactive with the full-length polypeptide encoded by SEQ ID NO:2. In one embodiment, the polypeptide of the invention is a fusion protein. In some embodiments, the polypeptide of the invention has an activity of the CCX CKR, such as binding to a chemokine (e.g., ELC, SLC, TECK, BLC or vMIPII). In one embodiment, the polypeptide binds ELC, SLC, and TECK with high affinity.

In a related aspect, the invention provides an isolated polynucleotide that encodes, or is complementary to a sequence that encodes, the CCX CKR polypeptide. In some embodiments the polynucleotide has at least 10, 15, 25, 50 or 100 contiguous bases identical or exactly complementary to SEQ ID NO:1. In various embodiments, the polynucleotide is the full-length sequence of SEQ ID NO:1, encodes a CCX CKR polypeptide of the invention (e.g., having the sequence of SEQ ID:2 or a fragment thereof), or selectively hybridizes under high stringent hybridization conditions to a polynucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO:1. The polynucleotide of the invention may be operably linked to a promoter. The invention provides recombinant vector (e.g., an expression vector) expressing the CCX CKR polypeptides of the invention. In one aspect, the invention provides a polynucleotide having sequence encoding a polypeptide that has an activity (e.g., a chemokine binding activity) of a CCX CKR polypeptide and which is (a) a polynucleotide having the sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 or SEQ ID NO 3; or (b) a polynucleotide which hybridizes under stringent conditions to (a); or (c) a polynucleotide sequence which is degenerate as a result of the genetic code to the sequences defined in (a) or (b).

The invention further provides a cell (e.g., a bacterial, eukaryotic, mammalian, or human cell) containing a recombinant CCX CKR polynucleotide of the invention, and provides a method for producing an CCX CKR protein, peptide, or fusion protein by culturing a cell containing the recombinant CCX CKR polynucleotide under conditions in which the polypeptide is expressed.

In another embodiment, the invention provides an antibody, or antibody fragment, or binding fragment (e.g., produced by phage display) that specifically binds to the CCX CKR polypeptide of the invention. The antibody may be monoclonal and may bind with an affinity of at least about 10⁸ M⁻¹. The invention also provides an isolated cell or a hybridoma capable of secreting the antibody. The antibody may be human or humanized.

In one aspect the invention provides a method of detecting an CCX CKR gene product in a sample by (a) contacting the sample with a probe that specifically binds the gene product, wherein the probe and the gene product form a complex, and detecting the formation of the complex; or (b) specifically amplifying the gene product in the biological sample, wherein said gene product is a polynucleotide, and detecting the amplification product; wherein the formation of the complex or presence of the amplification product is correlated with the presence of the CCX CKR gene product in the biological sample. In one embodiment the gene product is a polypeptide and probe is an antibody. In a different embodiment, the gene product is an RNA and the probe is a polynucleotide.

The invention also provides a method for determining whether a compound does or does not interact directly with the CCX CKR polypeptide, by contacting a chemokine and the CCX CKR polypeptide or ligand binding fragment thereof, adding a test compound, and measuring any decrease in the binding of the chemokine. In various embodiments, the chemokine is ELC, SLC, TECK, BLC, mCTACK, mMIP-1γ or vMIPII or another naturally occurring ligand bound by the CCX CKR. In some embodiments, the chemokine is radiolabeled. Thus, in one aspect, the invention provides a method for identifying a modulator of the binding of CCX CKR to a chemokine by (a) contacting a polypeptide of encoding CCX CKR and the chemokine in the presence of a test compound, and (b) comparing the level of binding of the chemokine and the polypeptide in (a) with the level of binding in the absence of the test compound, wherein a decrease in binding indicates that the test compound is an inhibitor of binding and an increase in binding indicates that the test compound is an enhancer of binding. In one embodiment, the chemokine is ELC, SLC, TECK, BLC, mCTACK, mMIP-1γ or vMIPII. In an embodiment, the CCX CKR polypeptide is expressed by a cell.

In a related aspect, the invention provides a method of identifying a modulator of CCX CKR activity by contacting a cell expressing a recombinant CCX CKR polypeptide and a test compound and assaying for a biological effect that occurs in the presence but not absence of the test compound, wherein a test compound that induces a biological effect is identified as a modulator of CCX CKR activity. In one embodiment, the biological effect assayed for is receptor internalization. In some embodiments, the method also includes the step of contacting the cell with a chemokine that binds the receptor (e.g., ELC, SLC, TECK, BLC, mCTACK, mMIP-1γ or vMIPII) during the assay.

In another related aspect, the invention provides a process for making a pharmaceutical composition by formulating a modulator of CCX CKR activity (e.g., binding) for pharmaceutical use.

The invention also provides a method for identifying compounds which will be useful for the treatment of CCX CKR-mediated diseases and conditions, by determining whether the compound interacts with the CCX CKR.

In another aspect, the invention provides a method of treating an CCX CKR-mediated condition in a mammal by reducing or increasing the activity or expression of CCX CKR in a cell or tissue in the mammal or administering a modulator of CCX CKR function to the mammal. In various embodiments, the modulator of CCX CKR function is an inhibitor of binding of a chemokine (e.g., ELC) to CCX CKR or an enhancer of binding of a chemokine (e.g., ELC) to CCX CKR. In one embodiment, the invention provides a method of treating a CCX CKR-mediated condition or disease in a subject in need of such treatment by administering an effective amount of a compound that inhibits the binding of the CCX CKR and a chemokine. In various embodiments, the CCX CKR-mediated condition or disease is an inflammatory or allergic disease, an autoimmune disease, graft rejection, cancers, neoplastic diseases, retinopathy, macular degeneration, an infectious disease, or an immunosuppressive disease.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows the nucleotide sequence for a human CCX CKR (SEQ. ID NO:1) and the predicted amino acid sequence of the human CCX CKR polypeptide (SEQ. ID NO:2).

FIG. 2 shows the CCX CKR sequence aligned with those of other chemokine receptors, the expression pattern of CCX CKR RNA, and generation of a stable cell line expressing CCX CKR. FIG. 2A shows sequence homology of the CCX CKR coding region with other chemokine receptors. FIG. 2B shows cells and tissues expressing CCX CKR RNA, as analyzed by RT-PCR of cytoplasmic RNA from cultured primary cells and whole tissues from various organs as indicated. FIG. 2C shows a population of transfected HEK-293 cells stably expressing CCX CKR protein containing an N-terminal Flag epitope, comparing intensity of anti-Flag mAb staining relative to wild type HEK293 cells.

FIG. 3 shows the identification of CCX CKR ligands by adhesion to stalkokines. FIG. 3A shows interrogation of immobilized stalkokine (SK) by HEK293-CCX CKR cells, where ‘control’=background adhesion of HEK293-CCX CKR cells to wells containing no stalkokine (anchoring antibodies and media are present); ELC-stalkokine (SK)=strong adhesion of HEK293-CCX CKR cells to locations containing ELC-stalkokines immobilized via anchoring antibodies; ELC-SK+ soluble ELC, soluble TECK, or soluble SLC=ablation of adhesion in the presence of excess concentrations of soluble recombinant ‘native form’ chemokines as shown; ELC-SK+ soluble MCP-3=no diminution in adhesion in the presence MCP-3 as representative of many non-competing chemokines. Wild type HEK293 cells showed no adhesion to any of the sites (not shown). FIG. 3B shows the quantitation of adhesion of HEK293-CCX CKR cells to ELC-stalkokine in the absence and presence of soluble chemokines from a representative experiment. FIG. 3C shows the results of homologous competition binding assay using radiolabeled ELC in the presence of increasing concentrations of cold ELC on either HEK293-CCX CKR cells (filled squares) or wild type HEK293 cells (open squares).

FIG. 4 shows the ligand binding fingerprint of CCX CKR. FIG. 4: Definition of CCX CKR protein binding activity, as indicated by using ¹²⁵I-ELC against a comprehensive array of viral, human, and murine chemokines in binding competition. The percent inhibition of specific binding is shown as a bar graph to emphasize that chemokines can be classed in categories as potential “high” affinity (solid bars), potential “moderate to low” affinity (hatched bars), or “no” affinity (open bars). The results are means of three determinations, the SEM in all cases is ≦˜20%; error bars are omitted for clarity. Since intra-assay experimental error was +˜20%, determinations within this range to the left or right of the 0% meridian are not likely to be statistically significant. FIG. 4B: Rank order of high affinity CCX CKR ligand binding. Multipoint determination reflecting the competition of unlabeled chemokines against ¹²⁵I-ELC binding to CCX CKR. Representative result of equilibrium binding using cold (unlabeled) ELC, SLC, TECK, BLC, and vMIP-II, with calculated IC50s compared in the table at bottom.

FIG. 5 shows DNA sequence 5′ to the translation start site of the CCX CKR gene, as determined from a genomic clone.

FIG. 6 shows ligand induced internalization of CCX CKR in 293 cells transfected with a receptor-Flag epitope fusion plasmid. FIG. 6(A) shows FACS scans of cells incubated for 45 minutes in the presence or absence of chemokines (1 nM, 10 nM or 100 nM ELC, SLC, TECK, CTACK or MCP4), or an isotype antibody control. FIG. 6(B) shows the same experiment with a 15 minute incubation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

I. Definitions

The following definitions are provided to assist the reader in the practice of the invention.

The terms “allele” or “allelic sequence,” as used herein, refer to a naturally-occurring alternative form of a gene encoding the CCX CKR polypeptide (i.e., a polynucleotide encoding an CCX CKR polypeptide). Alleles result from mutations (i.e., changes in the nucleic acid sequence), and sometimes produce altered and/or differently regulated mRNAs or polypeptides whose structure and/or function may or may not be altered. Common mutational changes that give rise to alleles are generally ascribed to natural deletions, additions, or substitutions of nucleotides that may or may not affect the encoded amino acids. Each of these types of changes may occur alone, in combination with the others, or one or more times within a given gene, chromosome or other cellular polynucleotide. Any given gene may have no, one or many allelic forms. As used herein, the term “allele” refers to either or both a gene or an mRNA transcribed from the gene.

As used herein, the term “amino acid” refers to naturally occurring and synthetic amino acids, as well as amino acid analogs and amino acid mimetics that function in a manner similar to the naturally occurring amino acids. Naturally occurring amino acids are those encoded by the genetic code, as well as those amino acids that are later modified, e.g., hydroxyproline, γ-carboxyglutamate, and O-phosphoserine. Amino acid analogs refers to compounds that have the same basic chemical structure as a naturally occurring amino acid, i.e., an alpha-carbon that is bound to a hydrogen, a carboxyl group, an amino group, and an R group, e.g., homoserine, norleucine, methionine sulfoxide, methionine methyl sulfonium. Such analogs have modified R groups (e.g., norleucine) or modified peptide backbones, but retain the same basic chemical structure as a naturally occurring amino acid. Amino acid mimetics refers to chemical compounds that have a structure that is different from the general chemical structure of an amino acid, but that functions in a manner similar to a naturally occurring amino acid.

The term “antisense sequences” refers to polynucleotides having sequence complementary to a RNA sequence. These terms specifically encompass nucleic acid sequences that bind to mRNA or portions thereof to block transcription of mRNA by ribosomes. Antisense methods are generally well known in the art (see, e.g., PCT publication WO 94/12633, and Nielsen et al., 1991, Science 254:1497; OLIGONUCLEOTIDES AND ANALOGUES, A PRACTICAL APPROACH, edited by F. Eckstein, IRL Press at Oxford University Press (1991); ANTISENSE RESEARCH AND APPLICATIONS (1993, CRC Press)).

The term “composition” as used herein is intended to encompass a product comprising the specified ingredients in the specified amounts, as well as any product which results, directly or indirectly, from combination of the specified ingredients in the specified amounts.

The term “conservative substitution,” when describing a polypeptide, refers to a change in the amino acid composition of the polypeptide that does not substantially alter the activity of the polypeptide, i.e., substitution of amino acids with other amino acids having similar properties such that the substitutions of even critical amino acids does not substantially alter activity. Conservative substitution tables providing functionally similar amino acids are well known in the art. The following six groups each contain amino acids that are conservative substitutions for one another: 1) Alanine (A), Serine (S), Threonine (T); 2) Aspartic acid (D), Glutamic acid (E); 3) Asparagine (N), Glutamine (Q); 4) Arginine (R), Lysine (K); 5) Isoleucine (I), Leucine (L), Methionine (M), Valine (V); and 6) Phenylalanine (F), Tyrosine (Y), Tryptophan (W) (see also, Creighton, 1984, Proteins, W.H. Freeman and Company).

In addition to the above-defined conservative substitutions, other modification of amino acid residues can result in “conservatively modified variants.” For example, one may regard all charged amino acids as substitutions for each other whether they are positive or negative. In addition, conservatively modified variants can also result from individual substitutions, deletions or additions which alter, add or delete a single amino acid or a small percentage of amino acids, e.g., often less than 5%, in an encoded sequence. Further, a conservatively modified variant can be made from a recombinant polypeptide by substituting a codon for an amino acid employed by the native or wild-type gene with a different codon for the same amino acid.

The terms “control elements” or “regulatory sequences” include enhancers, promoters, transcription terminators, origins of replication, chromosomal integration sequences, 5′ and 3′ untranslated regions, with which polypeptides or other biomolecules interact to carry out transcription and translation. For eukaryotic cells, the control sequences will include a promoter and preferably an enhancer, e.g., derived from immunoglobulin genes, SV40, cytomegalovirus, and a polyadenylation sequence, and may include splice donor and acceptor sequences. Depending on the vector system and host utilized, any number of suitable transcription and translation elements, including constitutive and inducible promoters, may be used. When referring to CCX CKR, a promoter other than that naturally associated with the CCX CKR coding sequence can be referred to as a “heterologous” promoter.

As used herein, a “derivatized” polynucleotide, oligonucleotide, or nucleic acid refers to oligo- and polynucleotides that comprise a derivatized substituent. In some embodiments, the substituent is substantially non-interfering with respect to hybridization to complementary polynucleotides. Derivatized oligo- or polynucleotides that have been modified with appended chemical substituents (e.g., by modification of an already synthesized oligo- or poly-nucleotide, or by incorporation of a modified base or backbone analog during synthesis) may be introduced into a metabolically active eukaryotic cell to hybridize with an CCX CKR DNA, RNA, or protein where they produce an alteration or chemical modification to a local DNA, RNA, or protein. Alternatively, the derivatized oligo or polynucleotides may interact with and alter CCX CKR polypeptides, or proteins that interact with CCX CKR DNA or CCX CKR gene products, or alter or modulate expression or function of CCX CKR DNA, RNA or protein. Illustrative attached chemical substituents include: europium (III) texaphyrin, cross-linking agents, psoralen, metal chelates (e.g., iron/EDTA chelate for iron catalyzed cleavage), topoisomerases, endonucleases, exonucleases, ligases, phosphodiesterases, photodynamic porphyrins, chemotherapeutic drugs (e.g., adriamycin, doxirubicin), intercalating agents, base-modification agents, immunoglobulin chains, and oligonucleotides. Iron/EDTA chelates are chemical substituents often used where local cleavage of a nucleic acid sequence is desired (Hertzberg et al., 1982, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 104: 313; Hertzberg and Dervan, 1984, Biochemistry 23: 3934; Taylor et al., 1984, Tetrahedron 40: 457; Dervan, 1986, Science 232: 464). Illustrative attachment chemistries include: direct linkage, e.g., via an appended reactive amino group (Corey and Schultz, 1988, Science 238: 1401, which is incorporated herein by reference) and other direct linkage chemistries, although streptavidin/biotin and digoxigenin/anti-digoxigenin antibody linkage methods can also be used. Methods for linking chemical substituents are provided in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,135,720, 5,093,245, and 5,055,556, which are incorporated herein by reference. Other linkage chemistries may be used at the discretion of the practitioner.

As used herein, a “detectable label” has the ordinary meaning in the art and refers to an atom (e.g., radionuclide), molecule (e.g., fluorescein), or complex, that is or can be used to detect (e.g., due to a physical or chemical property), indicate the presence of a molecule or to enable binding of another molecule to which it is covalently bound or otherwise associated. The term “label” also refers to covalently bound or otherwise associated molecules (e.g., a biomolecule such as an enzyme) that act on a substrate to produce a detectable atom, molecule or complex. Detectable labels suitable for use in the present invention include any composition detectable by spectroscopic, photochemical, biochemical, immunochemical, electrical, optical, chemical means and the like.

The term “epitope” has its ordinary meaning of a site on an antigen recognized by an antibody. Epitopes are typically segments of amino acids which are a small portion of the whole polypeptide. Epitopes may be conformational (i.e., discontinuous). That is, they may be formed from amino acids encoded by noncontiguous parts of a primary sequence that have been juxtaposed by protein folding.

The term “fusion protein,” refers to a composite polypeptide, i.e., a single contiguous amino acid sequence, made up of two (or more) distinct, heterologous polypeptides which are not normally fused together in a single amino acid sequence. Thus, a fusion protein may include a single amino acid sequence that contains two entirely distinct amino acid sequences or two similar or identical polypeptide sequences, provided that these sequences are not normally found together in the same configuration in a single amino acid sequence found in nature. Fusion proteins may generally be prepared using either recombinant nucleic acid methods, i.e., as a result of transcription and translation of a recombinant gene fusion product, which fusion comprises a segment encoding a polypeptide of the invention and a segment encoding a heterologous polypeptide, or by chemical synthesis methods well known in the art.

The term “gene product” refers to an RNA molecule transcribed from a gene, or a polypeptide encoded by the gene or translated from the RNA.

The term “high affinity” for an IgG antibody, as used herein, refers to an association constant (Ka) of at least about 106M−1, preferably at least about 108M−1, more preferably at least about 109M−1 or greater, e.g., up to 1012M−1 or greater. However, “high affinity” binding can vary for other antibody isotypes.

The terms “immunogen” and “immunogenic” have their ordinary meaning in the art, i.e., an immunogen is a molecule, such as a polypeptide or other antigen, that can elicit an adaptive immune response upon injection into a person or an animal.

The terms “modulator” and “modulation” of chemokine receptor activity, as used herein in its various forms, is intended to encompass antagonism, agonism, partial antagonism and/or partial agonism of the activity associated with a particular chemokine receptor, preferably the CCX CKR receptor. In various embodiments, “modulators” may inhibit or stimulate CCX CKR expression or activity,

The terms “nucleic acid” and “polynucleotide” are used interchangeably and refer to deoxyribonucleotides or ribonucleotides and polymers thereof in either single-or double-stranded form. Unless specifically limited, the disclosure of a polynucleotide sequence is also intended to refer to the complementary sequence. As used herein, the term “polynucleotide” includes oligonucleotides.

The terms “oligonucleotides” or “oligomers” refer to a nucleic acid sequence of approximately 7 nucleotides or greater, and as many as approximately 100 nucleotides, which can be used as a primer or probe. Oligonucleotides are often between about 10 and about 50 nucleotides in length, more often between about 12 and about 50 nucleotides, very often between about 15 and about 25 nucleotides.

The term “operably linked” refers to a functional relationship between two or more polynucleotide (e.g., DNA) segments: for example, a promoter or enhancer is operably linked to a coding sequence if it stimulates the transcription of the sequence in an appropriate host cell or other expression system. Generally, sequences that are operably linked are contiguous, and in the case of a signal sequence both contiguous and in reading phase. However, enhancers need not be located in close proximity to the coding sequences whose transcription they enhance.

The terms “peptidomimetic” and “mimetic” refer to a synthetic chemical compound that has substantially the same structural and functional characteristics of the CCX CKR polypeptides of the invention. Peptide analogs are commonly used in the pharmaceutical industry as non-peptide drugs with properties analogous to those of the template peptide. These types of non-peptide compound are termed “peptide mimetics” or “peptidomimetics” (Fauchere, J. Adv. Drug Res. 15:29 (1986); Veber and Freidinger TINS p. 392 (1985); and Evans et al. J. Med. Chem. 30:1229 (1987), which are incorporated herein by reference). Peptide mimetics that are structurally similar to therapeutically useful peptides may be used to produce an equivalent or enhanced therapeutic or prophylactic effect. Generally, peptidomimetics are structurally similar to a paradigm polypeptide (i.e., a polypeptide that has a biological or pharmacological activity), such as a CCX CKR, but have one or more peptide linkages optionally replaced by a linkage selected from the group consisting of, e.g., —CH2NH—, —CH2S—, —CH2—CH2-, —CH═CH— (cis and trans), —COCH2-, —CH(OH)CH2-, and —CH2SO—. The mimetic can be either entirely composed of synthetic, non-natural analogues of amino acids, or, is a chimeric molecule of partly natural peptide amino acids and partly non-natural analogs of amino acids. The mimetic can also incorporate any amount of natural amino acid conservative substitutions as long as such substitutions also do not substantially alter the mimetic's structure and/or activity. For example, a mimetic composition is within the scope of the invention if it is capable of carrying out the binding or enzymatic activities of CCX CKR.

By “pharmaceutically acceptable” it is meant the carrier, diluent or excipient must be compatible with the other ingredients of the formulation and not deleterious to the recipient thereof.

The term “polypeptide” is used interchangeably herein with the term “protein,” and refers to a polymer composed of amino acid residues linked by amide linkages, including synthetic, naturally-occurring and non-naturally occurring analogs thereof (amino acids and linkages). Peptides are examples of polypeptides.

As used herein, a “probe,” when used in the context of polynucleotides and antibodies, refers to a molecule that specifically binds another molecule. One example of a probe is a “nucleic acid probe,” which can be a DNA, RNA, or other polynucleotide. Where a specific sequence for a nucleic acid probe is given, it is understood that the complementary strand is also identified and included. The complementary strand will work equally well in situations where the target is a double-stranded nucleic acid that specifically binds (e.g., anneals or hybridizes) to a substantially complementary nucleic acid. Another example of a probe is an “antibody probe” that specifically binds to a corresponding antigen or epitope.

The term “recombinant” refers to a polynucleotide synthesized or otherwise manipulated in vitro (e.g., “recombinant polynucleotide”), to methods of using recombinant polynucleotides to produce gene products in cells or other biological systems, or to a polypeptide (“recombinant protein”) encoded by a recombinant polynucleotide. Thus, a “recombinant” polynucleotide is defined either by its method of production or its structure. In reference to its method of production, the process is use of recombinant nucleic acid techniques, e.g., involving human intervention in the nucleotide sequence, typically selection or production. Alternatively, it can be a polynucleotide made by generating a sequence comprising fusion of two fragments which are not naturally contiguous to each other, but is meant to exclude products of nature. Thus, for example, products made by transforming cells with any non-naturally occurring vector is encompassed, as are polynucleotides comprising sequence derived using any synthetic oligonucleotide process. Similarly, a “recombinant” polypeptide is one expressed from a recombinant polynucleotide.

The phrase “selectively hybridizing to” refers to a polynucleotide probe that hybridizes, duplexes or binds to a particular target DNA or RNA sequence when the target sequences are present in a preparation of total cellular DNA or RNA.

The phrase “specifically immunoreactive,” or “specifically binds” when referring to the interaction between an antibody and a protein or polypeptide, refers to an antibody that specifically recognizes and binds with relatively high affinity to the protein of interest, e.g., CCX CKR, such that this binding is determinative of the presence of the protein in a heterogeneous population of proteins and other biologics. Thus, under designated immunoassay conditions, the specified antibodies bind to a particular polypeptide and do not bind in a significant amount to other polypeptides present in the sample. A variety of immunoassay formats may be used to select antibodies specifically immunoreactive with a particular polypeptide. For example, solid-phase ELISA immunoassays are routinely used to select monoclonal antibodies specifically immunoreactive with a polypeptide. See, Harlow, 1988, ANTIBODIES, A LABORATORY MANUAL, Cold Spring Harbor Publications, New York (hereinafter, “Harlow”), for a description of immunoassay formats and conditions that can be used to determine specific immunoreactivity.

II. CCX CKR Polypeptides

The present invention provides isolated, substantially pure, or recombinant CCX CKR polypeptides and immunogenic fragments of mammalian CCX CKR polypeptides. In one embodiment, the CCX CKR polypeptide or fragment has an amino acid sequence identical to, or substantially identical to, the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:2 or a subsequence thereof.

A. CCX CKR Polypeptides and Variants

The invention provides substantially pure, isolated, or recombinant CCX CKR polypeptides. In some embodiments, the CCX CKR polypeptide has an amino acid sequence identical or substantially identical to the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:2. In other embodiments, the CCX CKR polypeptides are variants and mutants characterized by conservative substitutions of amino acid residues of SEQ ID NO:2.

The polypeptide of the invention may be full-length (e.g., containing about 350 amino acids for the species shown in FIG. 1) or may encode a fragment of the full-length protein (e.g., comprising at least 20, at least 40, at least 60 or at least 100 residues of the CCX CKR polypeptides and variants of the invention. Also provided by the invention are CCX CKR polypeptides that are modified, relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:2, in some manner, e.g., truncated, mutated, derivatized, or fused to other sequences (e.g., to form a fusion protein). Some CCX CKR polypeptides comprise insertions, deletions or substitutions of amino acid residues relative to SEQ ID NO:2. For example, some conservative amino acid substitutions can be made, i.e., substitution of selected amino acids with different amino acids having similar structural characteristics, e.g., net charge, hydrophobicity, and the like.

Typically, the CCX CKR variants are structurally and functionally similar to the CCX CKR allele having the sequence of SEQ. ID. NO:2. Structural similarity is indicated by, e.g., substantial sequence identity (as defined above), or immunological cross-reactivity. Functional similarity is indicated by, e.g., a ligand-binding specificity similar to or the same as that of the naturally occurring CCX CKR allele CCX CKR allele having the sequence of SEQ. ID. NO:2 (e.g., binding ELC, SLC, and TECK with high affinity). In some embodiments, the CCX CKR polypeptide of the invention is a fusion protein or a fragment (e.g., a ligand binding fragment) of the full-length polypeptide encoded in SEQ. ID. NO:2. As used in this context, a “ligand binding fragment” of CCX CKR is a fragment of the receptor polypeptide that binds ELC (e.g., human or mouse ELC), SLC (human or mouse), or TECK (human or mouse) with high affinity (e.g., an apparent Ki or relational IC50 of less than about 15 nM) or moderate affinity (e.g., an apparent Ki or relational IC50 of at between about 15 and about 200 nM). Suitable assays for detecting binding are well known in the art. See, e.g., E. C Hulme “Receptor-Ligand Interactions” in A PRACTICAL APPROACH/THE PRACTICAL APPROACH SERIES (Series Eds D. Rickwood and B D Hames) IRL Press at Oxford University Press (1992), especially Ch. 6, Wang et al., “The se of the filtration technique in in vitro radioligand binding assays for membrane-bound and solubilized receptors,” and Ch. 7, Hulme et al., “Centrifugation binding assays”; see also, Sissors et al., 1999, “A Homologous Receptor Binding Assay for HTS on FlashPlate plusNEN Life Science Products inc, Boston, Mass. 02118.

In one embodiment, binding is detected as described by Dairaghi et al., 1997, J. Biol. Chem. 272:28206-209 (incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes) substituting CCX CKR transfectants for the CCR3 transfectants). In one embodiment, binding is detected using the filter based technique described by Dairaghi et al., 1999, J. Biol. Chem. 274:2156 (incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes), e.g., as shown in FIG. 4. Briefly, this technology employs expanded, efficiency-maximized radioligand binding utilizing filtration protocols. In these assays, 1×10⁵ CCXCKR-293 HEK cells are incubated with ¹²⁵I-labeled ELC (MIP3beta) (final concentration of 0.05 nM) in the presence of unlabeled chemokine for 3 h at 4° C. in 25 mM HEPES, 140 mM NaCl, 1 mM CaCl₂, 5 mM MgCl2, and 0.2% bovine serum albumin, adjusted to pH 7.1. Reactions were aspirated onto PEI-treated GF/B glass filters using a cell harvester (Packard). Filters are washed twice (25 mM HEPES, 500 mM NaCl, 1 mM CaCl₂ 5 mM MgCl2, adjusted to pH 7.1) and scintillant (e.g., MicroScint 20; 50 μl) is added to dried filters and counted (e.g., using a Packard Topcount scintillation counter). The competition dose-response curves is analyzed by standard methods to determine IC50 values (e.g., using GraphPad Prism software (San Diego, Calif.)). Additionally, a Scatchard transformation can be used to estimate the receptor sites per cell (e.g., using WaveMetrics Igor software (Lake Oswego, Oreg.)).

As noted, binding assays are well known and it will be appreciated that binding can be detected using varying buffer conditions and incubation times and temperatures. For example, assays can be run at temperatures ranging from 37° to 4° C., preferably between about 4° C. and about 25° C., most preferably 4° C. or as well as incubation times from 1 hour to overnight (e.g., 3 hours). Buff pH can range from 6.8 to 7.6, and NaCl concentrations may range from 0 to 160 mM (e.g., physiological buffer conditions). The percentage of BSA included can also vary from 0.1% to 0.5%. Exemplary conditions are incubation with 0.05 nM ¹²⁵I-labeled ELC in the presence of unlabeled chemokine for 3 h at 4° C. in 25 nM HEPES, 140 nM NaCl, 1 mM CaCl₂, 5 mM MgCl2, and 0.2% bovine serum albumin, adjusted to pH 7.1. Other variations are known in the art.

As used herein, a chemokine specifically binds a CCX CKR polypeptide when it binds the receptor at least as well as a specified reference chemokine (e.g., ELC, SLC, TECK, MMIP-1γ, hBLC-1, mMIP-1γ, CTACK) known to bind wild-type CCX CKR with high or, alternatively, with moderate affinity.

In some embodiments, the CCX CKR polypeptide of the invention may be used as an immunogen (e.g., to produce anti-CCX CKR antibodies). Typically, the immunogenic CCX CKR fragments of the invention comprise at least about 6 contiguous residues of SEQ ID NO:2, more often at least about 8, about 10, or about 12, or about 16 contiguous residues.

The substantially pure, isolated or recombinant CCX CKR polypeptides of the present invention can also be characterized by their ability to bind antibodies that are specifically immunoreactive with a polypeptide having the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO:2. Specific immunoreactivity is usually characterized by a specific binding affinity of an antibody for its ligand (e.g., CCX CKR) of at least 10⁷, 10⁸, 10⁹, or 10¹¹ M⁻¹.

For many applications, it will also be desirable to provide CCX CKR polypeptides of the invention as labeled entities, i.e., covalently attached or linked to a detectable label or group, or cross-linkable group, to facilitate identification, detection and quantification of the polypeptide in a given circumstance. These detectable groups can comprise a detectable polypeptide group, e.g., an assayable enzyme or antibody epitope. Alternatively, the detectable group can be selected from a variety of other detectable groups or labels, such as radiolabels (e.g., ¹²⁵I, ³²P, ³⁵S) or a chemiluminescent or fluorescent group. Similarly, the detectable group can be a substrate, cofactor, inhibitor or affinity ligand.

In addition, a CCX CKR polypeptide can be modified by substituting one or more amino acid residues with a D-amino acid of the same type (e.g., D-lysine in place of L-lysine) to generate more stable peptides. Similarly, modification of the amino or carboxyl terminals can also be used to confer stabilizing properties upon the polypeptides of the invention, e.g., amidation of the carboxyl-terminus or acylation of the amino-terminus or pegylated derivatives.

B. Production and Isolation of CCX CKR Polypeptides

The CCX CKR polypeptides of the present invention can be prepared using recombinant or synthetic methods, or can be isolated from natural cellular sources.

Suitable recombinant techniques for expressing CCX CKR polypeptides from the CCX CKR polynucleotides are disclosed infra. See also, Sambrook et al., 1989, MOLECULAR CLONING: A LABORATORY MANUAL, (2nd ed.) Vols. 1-3, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, and in Ausubel, supra. Synthetic methods for synthesizing polypeptides such as CCX CKR polypeptides, variants, or fragments are described in Merrifield, 1963, Amer. Chem. Soc. 85:2149-2456, Atherton et al., 1989, SOLID PHASE PEPTIDE SYNTHESIS: A PRACTICAL APPROACH, IRL Press, and Merrifield, 1986, Science 232:341-347.

Isolation and purification of the CCX CKR polypeptides of the present invention can be carried out by methods that are generally well known in the art. These methods include, but are not limited to, ion exchange, hydrophobic interaction, HPLC or affinity chromatography, to achieve the desired purity. In one embodiment, CCX CKR polypeptides are purified using immunoaffinity chromatography. For example, antibodies raised against a CCX CKR polypeptide or immunogenic fragment thereof (e.g., having a sequence or subsequence of SEQ ID NO:2) are coupled to a suitable solid support and contacted with a mixture of polypeptides containing the CCX CKR polypeptide (e.g., a homogenate of brain tissue) under conditions conducive to the association of this polypeptide with the antibody. Once the CCX CKR polypeptide is bound to the immobilized antibody, the solid support is washed to remove unbound material and/or nonspecifically bound polypeptides. The desired polypeptide can then be eluted from the solid support in substantially pure form by, e.g., a change in pH or salt concentration of the buffer.

C. Peptide Analogs and Peptide Mimetics of CCX CKR

Although primarily described in terms of “proteins” or “polypeptides,” one of skill in the art will understand that structural analogs and derivatives of the above-described polypeptides, e.g., peptidomimetics, and the like can be used as substitutes for CCX CKR, e.g., as CCX CKR agonists, or, alternatively, as CCX CKR activity antagonists. Peptidomimetics, or peptide mimetics, are peptide analogs commonly used in the pharmaceutical industry as non-peptide drugs with properties (e.g., a biological activity) analogous to those of the template peptide (Fauchere, 1986, Adv. Drug Res. 15:29; Evans et al., 1987, J. Med. Chem. 30:1229). They are usually developed with the aid of computerized molecular modeling. Peptide mimetics that are structurally similar to therapeutically useful peptides can be used to produce an equivalent therapeutic effect. Peptide mimetics can have significant advantages over polypeptide embodiments, including, for example, more economical production and greater chemical stability.

III. CCX CKR Polynucleotides

In one aspect, the invention provides a polynucleotide having a sequence or subsequence of a mammalian (e.g., rat or human) CCX CKR gene or RNA. The polynucleotides of the invention (e.g., RNA, DNA, PNA or chimeras), may be single-stranded, double stranded, or a mixed hybrid. In one embodiment, the polynucleotide has a sequence of SEQ. ID NO: 1 (FIG. 1) or subsequences thereof (e.g., comprising at least 15, at least 25, at least 50, at least 100, at least 200, or at least 500 bases of the polynucleotides and variants of the invention). The invention also provides polynucleotides with substantial sequence identity to the CCX CKR polynucleotides disclosed herein. Thus, the invention provides naturally occurring alleles of mammalian (e.g., human) CCX CKR genes such as human allelic variants of the CCX CKR polynucleotides of SEQ ID NO:1.

As described infra, in some embodiments the polynucleotide of the invention encodes a polypeptide with substantial sequence similarity to SEQ. ID NO:2 (FIG. 1) or encodes a fragment of such a polypeptide (e.g., a fusion protein). Also contemplated are polynucleotides that, due to the degeneracy of the genetic code, are not substantially similar to SEQ ID NO:1, but encode the polypeptide of SEQ. ID NO:2 or a fragment thereof. In other embodiments, the invention provides CCX CKR polynucleotides that do not necessarily encode CCX CKR polypeptide but which are useful as e.g., probes, primers, antisense, triplex, or ribozyme reagents, and the like.

The invention also includes expression vectors, cell lines, and transgenic organisms comprising the CCX CKR polynucleotides. In some embodiments, the vectors, cells, and organisms of the invention are capable of expressing the encoded CCX CKR polypeptides.

Using the guidance of this disclosure, the CCX CKR polynucleotides of the invention can be produced by recombinant means. See, e.g., Sambrook et al., Berger and Kimmel, (1987) Methods In Enzymology, Vol. 152: Guide To Molecular Cloning Techniques, San Diego: Academic Press, Inc.; Ausubel et al., Current Protocols In Molecular Biology, Greene Publishing and Wiley-Interscience, New York (1999). Alternatively, CCX CKR polynucleotides or fragments can be chemically synthesized using routine methods well known in the art (see, e.g., Narang et al., 1979, Meth. Enzymol. 68:90; Brown et al., 1979, Meth. Enzymol. 68:109; Beaucage et al., 1981, Tetra. Lett., 22:1859). In some embodiments, the CCX CKR polynucleotides of the invention contain non-naturally occurring bases, e.g., deoxyinosine (see, Batzer et al., 1991, Nucleic Acid Res. 19:5081; Ohtsuka et al., 1985, J. Biol. Chem. 260:2605-2608; Rossolini et al., 1994, Mol. Cell. Probes 8:91-98) or modified backbone residues or linkages.

A. Polynucleotides Encoding CCX CKR

In one aspect, the invention provides polynucleotides encoding CCX CKR polypeptides such as an CCX CKR polypeptide having the sequence of SEQ ID NO:2, a fragment thereof, a variant thereof (e.g., a conservative or allelic variant), or a CCX CKR fusion polypeptide. In one embodiment, the polynucleotide of the invention comprises the sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 or a fragment thereof. In another embodiment, the polynucleotide encodes a naturally occurring CCX CKR polypeptide or fragment, but has a sequence that differs from SEQ. ID NO:1 (e.g., as a result of the degeneracy of the genetic code). In some embodiments of the invention, the polynucleotide is other than the expressed sequence tags H67224, AI131555, AA215577, AW190975 or AI769466 or the polynucleotide encoding bovine PPR1 (Matsuoka et al,. 1993, Biochem Biophys Res Comm 194:540-11).

The polynucleotides of invention are useful for expression of CCX CKR polynucleotides (e.g., sense or antisense RNAs) and polypeptides. Methods for recombinant expression of polynucleotides and proteins are well known in the art. Typically, the CCX CKR polynucleotides of the invention are used in expression vectors for the preparation of CCX CKR polypeptides and polynucleotides. Expression vectors typically include transcriptional and/or translational control signals (e.g., the promoter, ribosome-binding site, and ATG initiation codon). In addition, the efficiency of expression can be enhanced by the inclusion of enhancers appropriate to the cell system in use. For example, the SV40 enhancer or CMV enhancer can be used to increase expression in mammalian host cells.

In one embodiment, DNA encoding an CCX CKR polypeptide of the present invention is inserted into DNA constructs capable of introduction into and expression in an in vitro host cell, such as a bacterial (e.g., E. coli, Bacillus subtilus), yeast (e.g., Saccharomyces), insect (e.g., Spodoptera frugiperda), or mammalian cell culture systems. Examples of mammalian cell culture systems useful for expression and production of the polypeptides of the present invention include human embryonic kidney line (293; Graham et al., 1977, J. Gen. Virol. 3.6:59); CHO (ATCC CCL 61 and CRL 9618); human cervical carcinoma cells (HeLa, ATCC CCL 2); and others known in the art. The use of mammalian tissue cell culture to express polypeptides is discussed generally in Winnacker, FROM GENES TO CLONES (VCH Publishers, N.Y., N.Y., 1987) and Ausubel, supra.

In some embodiments, promoters from mammalian genes or from mammalian viruses are used, e.g., for expression in mammalian cell lines. Suitable promoters can be constitutive, cell type-specific, stage-specific, and/or modulatable or regulatable (e.g., by hormones such as glucocorticoids). Useful promoters include, but are not limited to, the metallothionein promoter, the constitutive adenovirus major late promoter, the dexamethasone inducible MMTV promoter, the SV40 promoter, and promoter-enhancer combinations known in the art.

CCX CKR polypeptides or fragments can also be expressed in transgenic animals (mouse, sheep, cow, etc.) and plants (tobacco, arabidopsis, etc.) using appropriate expression vectors which integrate into the host cell chromosome.

B. Polynucleotide or Oligonucleotide Probes and Primers

In one embodiment, the invention provides oligonucleotide or polynucleotide probes and/or primers for detecting or amplifying CCX CKR polynucleotides. In various embodiments, the polynucleotides (e.g., probes and primers) comprise at least 10 contiguous bases identical or exactly complementary to SEQ ID NO:1, usually at least 12 bases, typically at least 15 bases, generally at least 18 bases and often at least 25, at least 50, or at least 100 bases When the CCX CKR polynucleotides of the invention are used as probes or primers they are generally less that about 3000 bases in length; typically they contain between about 12 and about 100 contiguous nucleotides identical or exactly complementary to SEQ. ID NO:1, more often between about 12 and about 50 contiguous nucleotides, even more often between about 15 and about 25 contiguous nucleotides.

In some embodiments, the probes and primers are modified, e.g., by adding restriction sites to the probes or primers. In other embodiments, primers or probes of the invention comprise additional sequences, such as linkers. In still some other embodiments, primers or probes of the invention are modified with detectable labels. For example, the primers and probes are chemically modified, e.g., derivatized, incorporating modified nucleotide bases, or containing a ligand capable of being bound by an anti-ligand (e.g., biotin).

The CCX CKR probes and primers of the invention can be used for a number of purposes, e.g., for detecting or amplifying an CCX CKR polynucleotide in a biological sample, as discussed in more detail infra. For example, provided with the guidance herein, one of skill will be able to select primer pairs that specifically amplify all or a portion of the CCX CKR gene, mRNA, or cDNA in a sample. In a preferred embodiment, the primer pairs and amplification conditions are chosen to not amplify other chemokine receptor RNAs present in the sample, e.g., due to 3′ mismatch between the CCX CKR primers and other gene sequences.

C. CCX CKR Inhibitory Polynucleotides

The invention provides inhibitory polynucleotides such as antisense, triplex, and ribozyme reagents that target or hybridize to CCX CKR polynucleotides.

1. Antisense Polynucleotides

In one aspect, the present invention provides antisense oligonucleotides and polynucleotides that can be used to inhibit expression of the CCX CKR gene. Some therapeutic methods of the invention, described in additional detail infra, involve the administration of an oligonucleotide that functions to inhibit or stimulate CCX CKR activity under in vivo physiological conditions, and is relatively stable under those conditions for a period of time sufficient for a therapeutic effect. Polynucleotides can be modified to impart such stability and to facilitate targeting delivery of the oligonucleotide to the desired tissue, organ, or cell.

The antisense polynucleotides of the invention comprise an antisense sequence of at least about 10 bases, typically at least 12 or 14, and up to about 3000 contiguous nucleotides that specifically hybridize to a sequence from mRNA encoding CCX CKR or mRNA transcribed from the CCX CKR gene. More often, the antisense polynucleotide of the invention is from about 12 to about 50 nucleotides in length or from about 15 to about 25 nucleotides in length. In general, the antisense polynucleotide should be long enough to form a stable duplex but short enough, depending on the mode of delivery, to administer in vivo, if desired. The minimum length of a polynucleotide required for specific hybridization to a target sequence depends on several factors, such as G/C content, positioning of mismatched bases (if any), degree of uniqueness of the sequence as compared to the population of target polynucleotides, and chemical nature of the polynucleotide (e.g., methylphosphonate backbone, peptide nucleic acid, phosphorothioate), among other factors.

Generally, to assure specific hybridization, the antisense sequence is substantially complementary to the target CCX CKR mRNA sequence. In certain embodiments, the antisense sequence is exactly complementary to the target sequence. The antisense polynucleotides may also include, however, nucleotide substitutions, additions, deletions, transitions, transpositions, or modifications, or other nucleic acid sequences or non-nucleic acid moieties so long as specific binding to the relevant target sequence corresponding to CCX CKR RNA or its gene is retained as a functional property of the polynucleotide.

In one embodiment, the antisense sequence is complementary to relatively accessible sequences of the CCX CKR mRNA (e.g., relatively devoid of secondary structure). This can be determined by analyzing predicted RNA secondary structures using, for example, the MFOLD program (Genetics Computer Group, Madison Wis.) and testing in vitro or in vivo as is known in the art. Another useful method for identifying effective antisense compositions uses combinatorial arrays of oligonucleotides (see, e.g., Milner et al., 1997, Nature Biotechnology 15:537).

The invention also provides an antisense polynucleotide that has sequences in addition to the antisense sequence (i.e., in addition to anti-CCX CKR-sense sequence). In this case, the antisense sequence is contained within a polynucleotide of longer sequence. In another embodiment, the sequence of the polynucleotide consists essentially of, or is, the antisense sequence.

The antisense nucleic acids (DNA, RNA, modified, analogues, and the like) can be made using any suitable method for producing a nucleic acid, such as the chemical synthesis and recombinant methods disclosed herein. In one embodiment, for example, antisense RNA molecules of the invention may be prepared by de novo chemical synthesis or by cloning. For example, an antisense RNA that hybridizes to CCX CKR mRNA can be made by inserting (ligating) an CCX CKR DNA sequence (e.g., SEQ. ID No; 1, or fragment thereof) in reverse orientation operably linked to a promoter in a vector (e.g., plasmid). Provided that the promoter and, preferably termination and polyadenylation signals, are properly positioned, the strand of the inserted sequence corresponding to the noncoding strand will be transcribed and act as an antisense oligonucleotide of the invention. The antisense oligonucleotides of the invention can be used to inhibit CCX CKR activity in cell free extracts, cells, and animals, including mammals and humans.

For general methods relating to antisense polynucleotides, see ANTISENSE RNA AND DNA, (1988), D. A. Melton, Ed., Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y.). See also, Dagle et al., 1991, Nucleic Acids Research, 19:1805. For a review of antisense therapy, see, e.g., Uhlmann et al., Chem. Reviews, 90:543-584 (1990).

2. Triplex Oligo- and Polynucleotides

The present invention provides oligo- and polynucleotides (e.g., DNA, RNA, PNA or the like) that bind to double-stranded or duplex CCX CKR nucleic acids (e.g., in a folded region of the CCX CKR RNA or in the CCX CKR gene), forming a triple helix containing, or “triplex” nucleic acid. Triple helix formation results in inhibition of CCX CKR expression by, for example, preventing transcription of the CCX CKR gene, thus reducing or eliminating CCX CKR activity in a cell. Without intending to be bound by any particular mechanism, it is believed that triple helix pairing compromises the ability of the double helix to open sufficiently for the binding of polymerases, transcription factors, or regulatory molecules to occur.

Triplex oligo- and polynucleotides of the invention are constructed using the base pairing rules of triple helix formation (see, e.g., Cheng et al., 1988, J. Biol. Chem. 263: 15110; Ferrin and Camerini-Otero, 1991, Science 354:1494; Ramdas et al., 1989, J. Biol. Chem. 264:17395; Strobel et al., 1991, Science 254:1639; and Rigas et al., 1986, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 83: 9591; each of which is incorporated herein by reference) and the CCX CKR mRNA and/or gene sequence. Typically, the triplex forming oligonucleotides of the invention comprise a specific sequence of from about 10 to at least about 25 nucleotides or longer “complementary” to a specific sequence in the CCX CKR RNA or gene (i.e., large enough to form a stable triple helix, but small enough, depending on the mode of delivery, to administer in vivo, if desired). In this context, “complementary” means able to form a stable triple helix. In one embodiment, oligonucleotides are designed to bind specifically to the regulatory regions of the CCX CKR gene (e.g., the CCX CKR 5′-flanking sequence, promoters, and enhancers) or to the transcription initiation site, (e.g., between 10 and +10 from the transcription initiation site). For a review of recent therapeutic advances using triplex DNA, see Gee et al., in Huber and Carr, 1994, MOLECULAR AND IMMUNOLOGIC APPROACHES, Futura Publishing Co, Mt Kisco N.Y. and Rininsland et al., 1997, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 94:5854, which are both incorporated herein by reference.

3. Ribozymes

The present invention also provides ribozymes useful for inhibition of CCX CKR activity. The ribozymes of the invention bind and specifically cleave and inactivate CCX CKR mRNA. Useful ribozymes can comprise 5′ and 3′ terminal sequences complementary to the CCX CKR mRNA and can be engineered by one of skill on the basis of the CCX CKR mRNA sequence disclosed herein (see PCT publication WO 93/23572, supra). Ribozymes of the invention include those having characteristics of group I intron ribozymes (Cech, 1995, Biotechnology 13:323) and others of hammerhead ribozymes (Edgington, 1992, Biotechnology 10:256).

Ribozymes of the invention include those having cleavage sites such as GUA, GUU and GUC. Other optimum cleavage sites for ribozyme mediated inhibition of CCX CKR activity in accordance with the present invention include those described in PCT publications WO 94/02595 and WO 93/23569, both incorporated herein by reference. Short RNA oligonucleotides between 15 and 20 ribonucleotides in length corresponding to the region of the target CCX CKR gene containing the cleavage site can be evaluated for secondary structural features that may render the oligonucleotide more desirable. The suitability of cleavage sites may also be evaluated by testing accessibility to hybridization with complementary oligonucleotides using ribonuclease protection assays, or by testing for in vitro ribozyme activity in accordance with standard procedures known in the art.

As described by Hu et al., PCT publication WO 94/03596, incorporated herein by reference, antisense and ribozyme functions can be combined in a single oligonucleotide. Moreover, ribozymes can comprise one or more modified nucleotides or modified linkages between nucleotides, as described above in conjunction with the description of illustrative antisense oligonucleotides of the invention.

In one embodiment, the ribozymes of the invention are generated in vitro and introduced into a cell or patient. In another embodiment, gene therapy methods are used for expression of ribozymes in a target cell ex vivo or in vivo.

4. Administration of Oligonucleotides

Typically, the therapeutic methods of the invention involve the administration of an oligonucleotide that functions to inhibit or stimulate CCX CKR activity under in vivo physiological conditions, and is relatively stable under those conditions for a period of time sufficient for a therapeutic effect. As noted above, modified nucleic acids may be useful in imparting such stability, as well as for targeting delivery of the oligonucleotide to the desired tissue, organ, or cell.

Oligo- and poly-nucleotides can be delivered directly as a drug in a suitable pharmaceutical formulation, or indirectly by means of introducing a nucleic acid into a cell, including liposomes, immunoliposomes, ballistics, direct uptake into cells, and the like as described herein. For treatment of disease, the oligonucleotides of the invention will be administered to a patient in a therapeutically effective amount. A therapeutically effective amount is an amount sufficient to ameliorate the symptoms of the disease or modulate CCX CKR activity in the target cell. Methods useful for delivery of oligonucleotides for therapeutic purposes are described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,272,065, incorporated herein by reference. Other details of administration of pharmaceutically active compounds are provided below. In another embodiment, oligo- and poly-nucleotides can be delivered using gene therapy and recombinant DNA expression plasmids of the invention.

D. Gene Therapy

Gene therapy refers to the introduction of an otherwise exogenous polynucleotide which produces a medically useful phenotypic effect upon the (typically) mammalian cell(s) into which it is transferred. In one aspect, the present invention provides gene therapy methods and compositions for treatment of CCX CKR-associated conditions. In illustrative embodiments, gene therapy involves introducing into a cell a vector that expresses an CCX CKR gene product (such as an CCX CKR protein substantially similar to the CCX CKR polypeptide having a sequence of SEQ. ID NO:2, e.g., to increase CCX CKR activity, or an inhibitory CCX CKR polypeptide to reduce activity), expresses a nucleic acid having an CCX CKR gene or mRNA sequence (such as an antisense RNA, e.g., to reduce CCX CKR activity), expresses a polypeptide or polynucleotide that otherwise affects expression of CCX CKR gene products (e.g., a ribozyme directed to CCX CKR mRNA to reduce CCX CKR activity), or replaces or disrupts an endogenous CCX CKR sequence (e.g., gene replacement and gene knockout, respectively). Numerous other embodiments will be evident to one of skill upon review of the disclosure herein.

Vectors useful in CCX CKR gene therapy can be viral or nonviral, and include those described supra in relation to the CCX CKR expression systems of the invention. It will be understood by those of skill in the art that gene therapy vectors may comprise promoters and other regulatory or processing sequences, such as are described in this disclosure. Usually the vector will comprise a promoter and, optionally, an enhancer (separate from any contained within the promoter sequences) that serve to drive transcription of an oligoribonucleotide, as well as other regulatory elements that provide for episomal maintenance or chromosomal integration and for high level transcription, if desired. A plasmid useful for gene therapy can comprise other functional elements, such as selectable markers, identification regions, and other sequences. The additional sequences can have roles in conferring stability both outside and within a cell, targeting delivery of CCX CKR nucleotide sequences (sense or antisense) to a specified organ, tissue, or cell population, mediating entry into a cell, mediating entry into the nucleus of a cell and/or mediating integration within nuclear DNA. For example, aptamer like DNA structures, or other protein binding moieties sites can be used to mediate binding of a vector to cell surface receptors or to serum proteins that bind to a receptor thereby increasing the efficiency of DNA transfer into the cell. Other DNA sites and structures can directly or indirectly bind to receptors in the nuclear membrane or to other proteins that go into the nucleus, thereby facilitating nuclear uptake of a vector. Other DNA sequences can directly or indirectly affect the efficiency of integration.

Suitable gene therapy vectors may, or may not, have an origin of replication. For example, it is useful to include an origin of replication in a vector for propagation of the vector prior to administration to a patient. However, the origin of replication can often be removed before administration if the vector is designed to integrate into host chromosomal DNA or bind to host mRNA or DNA.

As noted, the present invention also provides methods and reagents for gene replacement therapy (i.e., replacement by homologous recombination of an endogenous CCX CKR gene with a recombinant gene). Vectors specifically designed for integration by homologous recombination may be used. Important factors for optimizing homologous recombination include the degree of sequence identity and length of homology to chromosomal sequences. The specific sequence mediating homologous recombination is also important, because integration occurs much more easily in transcriptionally active DNA. Methods and materials for constructing homologous targeting constructs are described by e.g., Mansour et al., 1988, Nature 336: 348; Bradley et al., 1992, Bio/Technology 10: 534. See also, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,627,059; 5,487,992; 5,631,153; and 5,464,764. In one embodiment, gene replacement therapy involves altering or replacing all or a portion of the regulatory sequences controlling expression of the CCX CKR gene that is to be regulated. For example, the CCX CKR promoter sequences (FIG. 5) may be disrupted (to decrease CCX CKR expression or to abolish a transcriptional control site) or an exogenous promoter (e.g., to increase CCX CKR expression) substituted.

The invention also provides methods and reagents for CCX CKR “gene knockout” (i.e., deletion or disruption by homologous recombination of an endogenous CCX CKR gene using a recombinantly produced vector). In gene knockout, the targeted sequences can be regulatory sequences (e.g., the CCX CKR promoter), or RNA or protein coding sequences. The use of homologous recombination to alter expression of endogenous genes is described in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 5,272,071, WO 91/09955, WO 93/09222, WO 96/29411, WO 95/31560, and WO 91/12650. See also, Moynahan et al., 1996, Hum. Mol. Genet. 5:875.

Gene therapy vectors may be introduced into cells or tissues in vivo, in vitro or ex vivo. For ex vivo therapy, vectors may be introduced into cells, e.g., stem cells, taken from the patient and clonally propagated for autologous transplant back into the same patient (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,399,493 and 5,437,994, the disclosures of which are herein incorporated by reference).

IV. Antibodies

The present invention provides antibodies that are specifically immunoreactive with human CCX CKR polypeptide. Accordingly, the antibodies of the invention will specifically recognize and bind polypeptides which have an amino acid sequence identical, or substantially identical, to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:2, or an immunogenic fragment thereof. The antibodies of the invention usually exhibit a specific binding affinity for CCX CKR of at least about 10⁷, 10⁸, 10⁹, or 10¹⁰ M⁻¹.

The anti-CCX CKR antibodies of the invention have a variety of uses, e.g., isolation of CCX CKR polypeptides (e.g., by immunoaffinity chromatography), detection of CCX CKR polypeptides, and for inhibition of CCX CKR activity (e.g., in vivo or in vitro).

A. Production of Anti-CCX CKR Antibodies

Anti-CCX CKR antibodies of the present invention can be made by a variety of means well known to those of skill in the art, e.g., as described supra. As noted in Section I, supra, antibodies are broadly defined herein and specifically include fragments, chimeras and similar binding agents (e.g., the products of phage display technology), that specifically binds an CCX CKR polypeptide or epitope. However, the term “antibody” is not intended to refer to chemokines (e.g., ELC, SLC, TECK, BLC and vMIPII) that are bound by (i.e., ligands for) the CCX CKR.

Methods for production of polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies are well known in the art. See, e.g., Coligan, CURRENT PROTOCOLS IN IMMUNOLOGY, Wiley/Greene, NY (1991); Stites et al. (eds.) BASIC AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY (7th ed.) Lange Medical Publications, Los Altos, Calif., and references cited therein (“Stites”); Goding, MONOCLONAL ANTIBODIES: PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE (2d ed.) Academic Press, New York, N.Y. (1986); Kohler and Milstein, 1975, Nature 256:495 97; and Harlow and Lane. These techniques include antibody preparation by selection of antibodies from libraries of recombinant antibodies in phage or similar vectors. See, Huse et al., 1989, Science 246:1275 81; and Ward et al., 1989, Nature 341:54446.

For production of polyclonal antibodies, an appropriate target immune system is selected, typically a mouse or rabbit, but also including goats, sheep, cows, chickens, guinea pigs, monkeys and rats. The immunoglobulins produced by the host can be precipitated, isolated and purified by routine methods, including affinity purification. Substantially monospecific antibody populations can be produced by chromatographic purification of polyclonal sera.

For monoclonal antibodies, appropriate animals will be selected and the desired immunization protocol followed. The antibodies of the invention may be of any isotype, e.g., IgM, IgD, IgG, IgA, and IgE, with IgG, IgA and IgM most referred. Preferred monoclonal anti-CCX CKR antibodies neutralize (i.e., inhibit or block) one or more biological activities of CCX CKR. Such antibodies may be obtained by screening hybridoma supernatants for the desired inhibitory activity. Monoclonal antibodies with affinities of 108 liters/mole, preferably 109 to 1010 or stronger, can be produced by the methods described below. The production of non-human monoclonal antibodies, e.g., murine, lagomorpha, or equine, is well known and can be accomplished by, e.g., immunizing a host animal with a preparation containing CCX CKR or fragments thereof. Antibody-producing cells obtained from the immunized animals are immortalized and screened, or screened first for the production of antibody which binds to the CCX CKR polypeptide and then immortalized.

Some anti-CCX CKR monoclonal antibodies of the present invention are humanized, human or chimeric, in order to reduce their potential antigenicity, without reducing their affinity for their target. Humanized antibodies have been described in the art. See, e.g., Queen, et al., 1989, Proc. Nat'l Acad. Sci. USA 86:10029; U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,563,762; 5,693,761; 5,585,089 and 5,530,101. The human antibody sequences used for humanization can be the sequences of naturally occurring human antibodies or can be consensus sequences of several human antibodies. See Kettleborough et al., Protein Engineering 4:773 (1991); Kolbinger et al., Protein Engineering 6:971 (1993).

Humanized monoclonal antibodies against CCX CKR can also be produced using transgenic animals having elements of a human immune system (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,569,825; 5,545,806; 5,693,762; 5,693,761; and 5,7124,350).

Useful anti-CCX CKR binding compositions can also be produced using phage display technology (see, e.g., Dower et al., WO 91/17271 and McCafferty et al., WO 92/01047). In these methods, libraries of phage are produced in which members display different antibodies on their outer surfaces. Antibodies are usually displayed as Fv or Fab fragments. Phage displaying antibodies with a desired specificity are selected by affinity enrichment to an CCX CKR polypeptide.

Once expressed, the whole antibodies, their dimers, individual light and heavy chains, or other immunoglobulin forms of the present invention can be purified according to standard procedures of the art, including ammonium sulfate precipitation, affinity chromatography, gel electrophoresis and the like (see generally PROTEIN PURIFICATION: PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE 3RD EDITION (Springer-Verlag, N.Y., 1994)).

An antibody (e.g. an anti-CCX CKR antibody), is substantially pure when at least about 80%, more often at least about 90%, even more often at least about 95%, most often at least about 99% or more of the polypeptide molecules present in a preparation specifically bind the same antigen (e.g., CCX CKR polypeptide). For pharmaceutical uses, anti-CCX CKR immunoglobulins of at least about 90 to 95% homogeneity are preferred, and 98 to 99% or more homogeneity are most preferred.

B. Modification of CCX CKR Antibodies

The antibodies of the present invention can be used with or without modification. Frequently, the antibodies will be labeled by joining, either covalently or non-covalently, a substance which provides for a detectable signal. Such labels include those that are well known in the art, e.g., radioactive, fluorescent, or bioactive (e.g., enzymatic) labels. As labeled binding entities, the antibodies of the invention may be particularly useful in diagnostic applications.

Also encompassed by the invention are hybrid antibodies that share the specificity of antibodies against a CCX CKR polypeptide but are also capable of specific binding to a second moiety. In hybrid antibodies, one heavy and light chain pair is from one antibody and the other pair from an antibody raised against another epitope. This results in the property of multi-functional valency, i.e., ability to bind at least two different epitopes simultaneously. Such hybrids can be formed by fusion of hybridomas producing the respective component antibodies, or by recombinant techniques.

C. Selection of Non-Cross Reacting Antibodies

In some embodiments, an anti-CCX CKR monoclonal or polyclonal antiserum is produced that is specifically immunoreactive with CCX CKR and is selected to have low crossreactivity against other chemokine receptors, and any such crossreactivity is removed by immunoabsorption prior to use in the immunoassay. Methods for screening and characterizing monoclonal antibodies for specificity are well known in the art and are described generally in Harlow and Lane, supra.

In order to produce a polyclonal antisera (e.g., for use in an immunoassay), the protein of SEQ ID NO:2 a polyclonal antiserum is prepared using methods well known in the art such as those described supra. For example, recombinant protein may be produced in a mammalian cell line. An inbred strain of mice such as balb/c is immunized with the protein of SEQ ID NO:2 using a standard adjuvant, such as Freund's adjuvant, and a standard mouse immunization protocol (see Harlow and Lane, supra). Alternatively, a synthetic peptide derived from the sequences disclosed herein and conjugated to a carrier protein can be used as an immunogen. Polyclonal sera are collected and titered against the immunogen protein in an immunoassay, for example, a solid phase immunoassay with the immunogen immobilized on a solid support. Polyclonal antisera with a titer of 104 or greater are selected and tested for their cross reactivity against other human chemokine receptors (e.g., one or more of CCR1, CCR2, (CCR2A, CCR2B), CCR3, CCR4, CCR5, CCR6, CCR7, CCR8, CCR9A/B, CXCR1, CXCR2, CXCR3, CXCR4, CXCR5, CX3CR1, and XCR1) or other G-protein coupled receptors (e.g., bovine PPR1) using a competitive binding immunoassay such as the one described in Harlow and Lane, supra, at pages 570-573. Immunoassays in the competitive binding format can be used for the crossreactivity determinations. For example, the protein of SEQ ID NO:2 can be immobilized to a solid support. Proteins added to the assay compete with the binding of the antisera to the immobilized antigen. The ability of the above proteins to compete with the binding of the antisera to the immobilized protein is compared to the protein of SEQ ID NO:2. The percent crossreactivity for the above proteins is calculated, using standard calculations. Those antisera with less than 10% crossreactivity with each of the proteins listed above are selected and pooled. The cross-reacting antibodies are then removed from the pooled antisera by immunoabsorbtion with the above-listed proteins.

V. Identification of CCX CKR Ligands

Chemokines to which CCX CKR binds were identified as described infra in Examples 4-6. The spectrum of ligands that bind to CCX CKR include ELC, SLC, CTACK, and TECK with high affinity, and BLC, mMIP-ly, and vMIPII with lower affinity. The chemokines ELC (also called MIP-3beta) and SLC (also called 6Ckine), and their cognate receptor, CCR7, have profound effects on the regulation of dendritic cells (DC) and T cells. ELC and SLC have been shown to be major attractants of mature (though not immature) DC, and they have been suggested to control the migration of the newly postulated T central memory (TCM) lymphocytes. Natural or targeted genetic deletions of ELC, SLC, or CCR7 result in marked deficiencies in DC, T and B cell trafficking, as well morphological disruption of secondary lymphoid organ architecture (Sallusto et al., 1999, Nature 401:708; Forster et al., 1999, Cell 99:23; Gunn et al., 1998, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 95:258; Gunn et al., 1999, J. Exp. Med. 189:451; Yanagihara et al., 1998, J. Immunol. 161:3096; Yoshida et al. 1997, J. Biol. Chem. 272:13803; Yoshida et al., 1998, J. Biol. Chem. 273:7118). CCR7 is related to another chemokine receptor, CCR9 (formerly the orphan clone GPR9.6), shown to be a receptor for the CC chemokine TECK (Zabel et al., 1999, J. Exp. Med. 190:1241; Zaballos et al., 1999, J. Immunol. 162:5671). The CCR9/TECK pairing has been reported to be important for the regulation of thymocytes, as well as lymphocytes with gut-targeted homing patterns (Youn et al., 1999, Blood 94:2533). To date, CCR9 has been the only reported TECK receptor and CCR7 the only credible receptor for ELC and SLC, despite contradictory reports (Jenh et al., 1999, J. Immunol. 162:3765; Soto et al., 1998, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 95:8205) surrounding SLC binding.

VI. Screening and Identification of Modulators of CCX CKR Activity

The invention also provides assay methods which are capable of screening compounds that modulate the activity of the CCX CKR. Of particular interest are compounds that bind the CCX CKR, including compounds that compete for binding with a chemokine, ELC. This invention is particularly useful for screening compounds by using recombinant receptor in a variety of drug screening techniques. Thus, the present invention includes methods to evaluate putative specific agonists or antagonists of CCX CKR function. Accordingly, the present invention is directed to the use of these compounds in the preparation and execution of screening assays for compounds which modulate the activity of the CCX CKR chemokine receptor. For example, the compounds of this invention are useful for isolating receptor mutants, which are excellent screening tools for more potent compounds. Furthermore, the compounds of this invention are useful in establishing or determining the binding site of other compounds to the CCX CKR chemokine receptor, e.g., by competitive inhibition. The compounds of the instant invention are also useful for the evaluation of putative specific modulators of the CCX CKR chemokine receptor, relative to other chemokine receptors including CCR-1, CCR-2 (CCR2A, CCR2B), CCR-3, CCR-4, CCR-5 and CXCR-4.

A variety of assays can be used to evaluate the CCX CKR modulators, including CCX CKR binding assays, CCX CKR signaling assays, chemotaxis assays, second messenger levels, i.e., Ca++; cell proliferation; inositol phosphate pool changes; and other assays of cellular response.

One method of drug screening utilizes eukaryotic or prokaryotic host cells which are stably transformed with recombinant DNA molecules expressing the CCX CKR, e.g., the protein having the sequence of SEQ ID NO:2. Such cells, either in viable or fixed form, can be used for standard ligand/receptor binding assays (see e.g., Parce et al., 1989, Science 246: 243-247; and Owicki et al., 1990, Proc. Nat'l Acad. Sci. USA 87: 4007-4011, which describe sensitive methods to detect cellular responses). A test compound can be assayed for binding or for competition with another ligand for binding. Often, either the test compound or the “other ligand” is labeled. In various embodiments, test compounds are evaluated for competition with a chemokine or other ligand for binding to the CCX CKR or a ligand-binding fragment thereof. In some embodiments, the chemokine is ELC, SLC, TECK, BLC, CTACK, mMIP-1γ or vMIPII. In related embodiments, the chemokine is a chemokine other than ELC, SLC, TECK, BLC, CTACK, mMIP-1γ or vMIPII bound by the CCX CKR polypeptide with high or moderate affinity.

In a suitable assay, a CCX CKR protein (whether isolated or recombinant) is used which has at least one property, activity or functional characteristic of a human CCX CKR protein. The property can be a binding property (to, for example, a ligand or inhibitor) such as a binding profile (e.g., binding to ELC, SLC and TECK but not binding to chemokines bound with little or no affinity by the CCX CKR receptor polypeptide (e.g., of SEQ ID NO:2), e.g., binding to both TECK and ELC or SLC), a signaling activity (e.g., activation of a mammalian G protein, induction of rapid and transient increase in the concentration of cytosolic free calcium [Ca++]i), cellular response function (e.g., stimulation of chemotaxis or inflammatory mediator release by leukocytes), and the like.

In one embodiment, a composition containing a CCX CKR protein or variant thereof is maintained under conditions suitable for binding. The CCX CKR receptor is contacted with a putative agent (or a second composition containing at least one putative agent) to be test, and binding is detected or measured.

In one embodiment, the assay is a cell-based assay and cells are used which are stably or transiently transfected with a vector or expression cassette having a nucleic acid sequence which encodes the CCX CKR receptor. The cells are maintained under conditions appropriate for expression of the receptor and are contacted with a putative agent under conditions appropriate for binding to occur. Binding can be detected using standard techniques. For example, the extent of binding can be determined relative to a suitable control (for example, relative to background in the absence of a putative agent, or relative to a known ligand). Optionally, a cellular fraction, such as a membrane fraction, containing the receptor can be used in lieu of whole cells.

Detection of binding or complex formation can be detected directly or indirectly. For example, the putative agent can be labeled with a suitable label (e.g., fluorescent label, chemiluminescent label, isotope label, enzyme label, and the like) and binding can be determined by detection of the label. Specific and/or competitive binding can be assessed by competition or displacement studies, using unlabeled agent or a ligand (e.g., ELC, SLC, TECK, BLC, mCTACK, mMIP-1γ or vMIPII) as a competitor.

In other embodiments, binding inhibition assays can be used to evaluate the present compounds. In these assays, the compounds are evaluated as inhibitors of ligand binding using, for example, ELC, SLC, TECK, BLC or vMIPII. In this embodiment, the CCX CKR receptor is contacted with a ligand such as ELC, SLC, TECK, BLC, mCTACK, mMIP-1γ or vMIPII, and a measure of ligand binding is made. The receptor is then contacted with a test agent in the presence of a ligand (e.g., ELC, SLC, TECK, BLC, mCTACK, mMIP-1γ or vMIPII) and a second measurement of binding is made. A reduction in the extent of ligand binding is indicative of inhibition of binding by the test agent. The binding inhibition assays can be carried out using whole cells which express CCX CKR, or a membrane fraction from cells which express CCX CKR.

The binding of a G protein-coupled receptor by, for example, an agonist, can result in a signaling event by the receptor. Accordingly, signaling assays can also be used to evaluate the compounds of the present invention and induction of signaling function by an agent can be monitored using any suitable method. For example, G protein activity, such as hydrolysis of GTP to GDP, or later signaling events triggered by receptor binding can be assayed by known methods (see, for example, PCT/US97/15915; Neote et al., 1993, Cell 72:415-25; Van Riper et al., 1993, J. Exp. Med., 177:851-56 and Dahinden et al., 1994, J. Exp. Med., 179:751-56.

Chemotaxis assays can also be used to assess receptor function and evaluate the compounds provided herein. These assays are based on the functional migration of cells (e.g., cells expressing recombinant CCX CKR) in vitro or in vivo induced by an agent, and can be used to assess the binding and/or effect on chemotaxis of ligands, inhibitiors, or agonists. Suitable assays are described in PCT/US97/15915; Springer, et al., WO 94/20142; Berman et al., 1988. Immunol. Invest., 17:625-77 (1988); and Kavanaugh et al., 1991, J. Immunol., 146:4149-4156.

The test compounds, CCX CKR activity modulators or putative modulators and other compounds provided herein can also be evaluated using models of inflammation to assess the ability of the compound to exert an effect in vivo. Suitable models are described as follows: a sheep model for asthma (see, Weg et al., 1993, J. Exp. Med. 177:561); and a rat delayed-type hypersensitivity model (see Rand et al., 1996, Am. J. Pathol., 148:855-864). Another useful model for evaluating the instant compounds is the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model for multiple sclerosis, which probes chemokine receptor expression and function (see, Ransohoff et al., 1996, Cytokine Growth Factor Rev., 7:35-46, and Karpus et al., 1998, J. Immunol. 161:2667-2671).

In addition, leukocyte infiltration assays can also be used to evaluate a compound (see, Van Damme, et al., 1992, J. Exp. Med., 176:59-65; Zachariae et al., 1990, J. Exp. Med, 171:2177-2182; and Jose et al., 1994, J. Exp. Med., 179:881-887).

Several methods of automating assays have been developed in recent years so as to permit screening of tens of thousands of compounds in a short period. See, e.g., Fodor et al., 1991, Science 251: 767-73, and other descriptions of chemical diversity libraries, which describe means for testing of binding affinity by a plurality of compounds. The development of suitable assays can be greatly facilitated by the availability of large amounts of purified CCX CKR and/or cells expressing recombinant CCX CKR, as provided by this invention.

In embodiments of the detection and screening methods of the invention, the chemokine and the CCX CKR polypeptide are of the same species. In related embodiments, the chemokine naturally binds the receptor.

Using the screening methods described in Example 7, exemplary “small molecule” modulators of CCX CKR binding to ELC were identified (see Table 1). These compounds, or structurally related compounds, are used as modulators (agonists or antagonists) of CCX CKR activity, in assays to identify other modulators and agents, to further characterize the CCX CKR, and for identification of structurally related modulators with greater or different activity. Compounds I-III may be obtained from Comgenex (Budapest, Hungary). TABLE 1 Exemplary Small Molecule Modulators of CCX CKR Function Compound I (antagonist) Compound II (antagonist) Compound III (agonist) VII. Methods of Treating CCX CKR-Mediated Conditions or Diseases

In yet another aspect, the present invention provides methods of treating CCX CKR-mediated conditions or diseases by administering to a subject having such a disease or condition, a therapeutically effective amount of an modulator of CCX CKR function, i.e., agonists (stimulators) and antagonists (inhibitors) of CCX CKR function or gene expression. Such modulators include small molecules agonists and antagonists of CCX CKR function; polypeptide inhibitors (e.g., dominant-negative mutants); antisense, ribozyme and triplex polynucleotides; gene therapy (for inhibition, e.g., gene knockout, or overexpression), and the like.

Diseases and conditions associated with inflammation, infection and cancer can be treated with the present compounds and compositions. In one group of embodiments, diseases or conditions, including chronic diseases, of humans or other species can be treated with inhibitors of CCX CKR function. These diseases or conditions include: (1) inflammatory or allergic diseases such as systemic anaphylaxis or hypersensitivity responses, drug allergies, insect sting allergies; inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, ileitis and enteritis; vaginitis; psoriasis and inflammatory dermatoses such as dermatitis, eczema, atopic dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, urticaria; vasculitis; spondyloarthropathies; scleroderma; respiratory allergic diseases such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, hypersensitivity lung diseases, and the like, (2) autoimmune diseases, such as arthritis (rheumatoid and psoriatic), multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, diabetes, glomerulonephritis, and the like, (3) graft rejection (including allograft rejection and graft-vs-host disease), and (4) other diseases in which undesired inflammatory responses are to be inhibited (e.g., atherosclerosis, myositis). In another group of embodiments, diseases or conditions are treated with agonists of CCX CKR function or reagents or methods for increasing CCX CKR expression. Examples of diseases to be treated with CCX CKR agonists include cancers, diseases in which angiogenesis or neovascularization play a role (neoplastic diseases, retinopathy and macular degeneration), infectious diseases and immunosuppressive diseases. CCX CKR gene products, agonists, and antagonists similarly find use is tissue and organ remodeling, repair, and regeneration.

For example, modulators of CCX CKR activity can inhibit the proliferation and differentiation of cells involved in an inflammatory response. The term “inflammation” has the normal meaning in the art refers to both acute responses (i.e., responses in which the inflammatory processes are active) and chronic responses (i.e., responses marked by slow progression and formation of new connective tissue). Acute and chronic inflammation can be distinguished by the cell types involved. Acute inflammation often involves polymorphonuclear neutrophils; whereas chronic inflammation is normally characterized by a lymphohistiocytic and/or granulomatous response. Inflammation includes reactions of both the specific and non-specific defense systems. A specific defense system reaction is a specific immune system reaction response to an antigen (possibly including an autoantigen). A non-specific defense system reaction is an inflammatory response mediated by leukocytes incapable of immunological memory. Such cells include granulocytes, macrophages, neutrophils and eosinophils. Assays for inflammation are well known in the art. The reagents provided by the present invention can be used to treat inflammatory conditions, both chronic and acute conditions, including inflammation associated with infection (e.g., septic shock, sepsis, or systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS)), ischemia-reperfusion injury, endotoxin lethality, arthritis, complement-mediated hyperacute rejection, nephritis, cytokine or chemokine induced lung injury, inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease, or resulting from overproduction of cytokines (e.g., TNF or IL-1.). Examples of specific types of inflammation are diffuse inflammation, focal inflammation, croupous inflammation, interstitial inflammation, obliterative inflammation, parenchymatous inflammation, reactive inflammation, specific inflammation, toxic inflammation and traumatic inflammation.

The methods and reagents of the invention may be used in treatment of animals such as mammals (e.g., humans, non-human primates, cows, sheep, goats, horses, dogs, cats, rabbits, rats, mice) or in animal or in vitro (e.g., cell-culture) models of human diseases.

VIII. Pharmaceutical Compositions

The present invention further provides therapeutic compositions comprising agonists, antagonists, or ligands of CCX CKR, and methods of treating physiologic or pathologic conditions mediated by CCX CKR.

CCX CKR polypeptides, fragments thereof, sense and antisense polypeptides, anti-CCX CKR antibodies or binding fragments thereof, and antagonists or agonists (e.g. small molecule modulators) of CCX CKR activity, can be directly administered under sterile conditions to the host to be treated. However, while it is possible for the active ingredient to be administered alone, it is often preferable to present it as a pharmaceutical formulation. Formulations typically comprise at least one active ingredient together with one or more acceptable carriers thereof. Each carrier should be both pharmaceutically and physiologically acceptable in the sense of being compatible with the other ingredients and not injurious to the patient. For example, the bioactive agent can be complexed with carrier proteins such as ovalbumin or serum albumin prior to their administration in order to enhance stability or pharmacological properties such as half-life. Furthermore, therapeutic formulations of this invention can be combined with or used in association with other chemotherapeutic or chemopreventive agents.

Therapeutic formulations can be prepared by any methods well known in the art of pharmacy. See, e.g., Gilman et al (eds.) (1990) Goodman and Gilman's: The Pharmacological Bases of Therapeutics (8th ed.) Pergamon Press; and (1990) Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences (17th ed.) Mack Publishing Co., Easton, P.a.; Avis et al (eds.) (1993) Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms: Parenteral Medications Dekker, N.Y.; Lieberman et al. (eds.) (1990) Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms: Tablets Dekker, N.Y.; and Lieberman et al (eds.) (1990) Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms: Disperse Systems Dekker, N.Y.

Depending on the disease to be treated and the subject's condition, the compounds of the present invention may be administered by oral, parenteral (e.g., intramuscular, intraperitoneal, intravenous, ICV, intracistemal injection or infusion, subcutaneous injection, or implant), by inhalation spray, nasal, vaginal, rectal, sublingual, or topical routes of administration and may be formulated, alone or together, in suitable dosage unit formulations containing conventional non-toxic pharmaceutically acceptable carriers, adjuvants and vehicles appropriate for each route of administration. The pharmaceutical compositions containing the active ingredient may be in a form suitable for oral use, for example, as tablets, troches, lozenges, aqueous or oily suspensions, dispersible powders or granules, emulsions, hard or soft capsules, or syrups or elixirs. Compositions intended for oral use may be prepared according to any method known to the art for the manufacture of pharmaceutical compositions and such compositions may contain one or more agents selected from the group consisting of sweetening agents, flavoring agents, coloring agents and preserving agents in order to provide pharmaceutically elegant and palatable preparations. Tablets contain the active ingredient in admixture with non-toxic pharmaceutically acceptable excipients which are suitable for the manufacture of tablets. These excipients may be for example, inert diluents, such as calcium carbonate, sodium carbonate, lactose, calcium phosphate or sodium phosphate; granulating and disintegrating agents, for example, corn starch, or alginic acid; binding agents, for example starch, gelatin or acacia, and lubricating agents, for example magnesium stearate, stearic acid or talc. The tablets may be uncoated or they may be coated by known techniques to delay disintegration and absorption in the gastrointestinal tract and thereby provide a sustained action over a longer period. For example, a time delay material such as glyceryl monostearate or glyceryl distearate may be employed. They may also be coated by the techniques described in the U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,256,108; 4,166,452; and 4,265,874 to form osmotic therapeutic tablets for control release.

Formulations for oral use may also be presented as hard gelatin capsules wherein the active ingredient is mixed with an inert solid diluent, for example, calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate or kaolin, or as soft gelatin capsules wherein the active ingredient is mixed with water or an oil medium, for example peanut oil, liquid paraffin, or olive oil.

Aqueous suspensions contain the active materials in admixture with excipients suitable for the manufacture of aqueous suspensions. Such excipients are suspending agents, for example sodium carboxymethylcellulose, methylcellulose, hydroxy-propylmethyl-cellulose, sodium alginate, polyvinyl-pyrrolidone, gum tragacanth and gum acacia; dispersing or wetting agents may be a naturally-occurring phosphatide, for example lecithin, or condensation products of an alkylene oxide with fatty acids, for example polyoxy-ethylene stearate, or condensation products of ethylene oxide with long chain aliphatic alcohols, for example heptadecaethyleneoxycetanol, or condensation products of ethylene oxide with partial esters derived from fatty acids and a hexitol such as polyoxyethylene sorbitol monooleate, or condensation products of ethylene oxide with partial esters derived from fatty acids and hexitol anhydrides, for example polyethylene sorbitan monooleate. The aqueous suspensions may also contain one or more preservatives, for example ethyl, or n-propyl, p-hydroxybenzoate, one or more coloring agents, one or more flavoring agents, and one or more sweetening agents, such as sucrose or saccharin.

Oily suspensions may be formulated by suspending the active ingredient in a vegetable oil, for example arachis oil, olive oil, sesame oil or coconut oil, or in a mineral oil such as liquid paraffin. The oily suspensions may contain a thickening agent, for example beeswax, hard paraffin or cetyl alcohol. Sweetening agents such as those set forth above, and flavoring agents may be added to provide a palatable oral preparation. These compositions may be preserved by the addition of an anti-oxidant such as ascorbic acid.

Dispersible powders and granules suitable for preparation of an aqueous suspension by the addition of water provide the active ingredient in admixture with a dispersing or wetting agent, suspending agent and one or more preservatives. Suitable dispersing or wetting agents and suspending agents are exemplified by those already mentioned above. Additional excipients, for example sweetening, flavoring and coloring agents, may also be present.

The pharmaceutical compositions of the invention may also be in the form of oil-in-water emulsions. The oily phase may be a vegetable oil, for example olive oil or arachis oil, or a mineral oil, for example liquid paraffin or mixtures of these. Suitable emulsifying agents may be naturally-occurring gums, for example gum acacia or gum tragacanth, naturally-occurring phosphatides, for example soy bean, lecithin, and esters or partial esters derived from fatty acids and hexitol anhydrides, for example sorbitan monooleate, and condensation products of the said partial esters with ethylene oxide, for example polyoxyethylene sorbitan monooleate. The emulsions may also contain sweetening and flavoring agents.

Syrups and elixirs may be formulated with sweetening agents, for example glycerol, propylene glycol, sorbitol or sucrose. Such formulations may also contain a demulcent, a preservative and flavoring and coloring agents.

The pharmaceutical compositions may be in the form of a sterile injectable aqueous or oleagenous suspension. This suspension may be formulated according to the known art using those suitable dispersing or wetting agents and suspending agents which have been mentioned above. The sterile injectable preparation may also be a sterile injectable solution or suspension in a non-toxic parenterally-acceptable diluent or solvent, for example as a solution in 1,3-butane diol. Among the acceptable vehicles and solvents that may be employed are water, Ringer's solution and isotonic sodium chloride solution. In addition, sterile, fixed oils are conventionally employed as a solvent or suspending medium. For this purpose any bland fixed oil may be employed including synthetic mono- or diglycerides. In addition, fatty acids such as oleic acid find use in the preparation of injectables.

The compounds of the present invention may also be administered in the form of suppositories for rectal administration of the drug. These compositions can be prepared by mixing the drug with a suitable non-irritating excipient which is solid at ordinary temperatures but liquid at the rectal temperature and will therefore melt in the rectum to release the drug. Such materials are cocoa butter and polyethylene glycols.

For topical use, creams, ointments, jellies, solutions or suspensions, etc., containing the compounds of the present invention are employed. As used herein, topical application is also meant to include the use of mouth washes and gargles.

The pharmaceutical composition and method of the present invention may further comprise other therapeutically active compounds as noted herein which are usually applied in the treatment of the above mentioned pathological conditions.

In the treatment or prevention of conditions which require chemokine receptor modulation an appropriate dosage level will generally be about 0.001 to 100 mg per kg patient body weight per day which can be administered in single or multiple doses. Preferably, the dosage level will be about 0.01 to about 25 mg/kg per day; more preferably about 0.05 to about 10 mg/kg per day. A suitable dosage level may be about 0.01 to 25 mg/kg per day, about 0.05 to 10 mg/kg per day, or about 0.1 to 5 mg/kg per day. Within this range the dosage may be about 0.005 to about 0.05, 0.05 to 0.5 or 0.5 to 5 mg/kg per day. For oral administration, the compositions are preferably provided in the form of tablets containing about 1 to 1000 milligrams of the active ingredient, particularly about 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 50, 75, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 400, 500, 600, 750, 800, 900, and 1000 milligrams of the active ingredient for the symptomatic adjustment of the dosage to the patient to be treated. The compounds may be administered on a regimen of 1 to 4 times per day, preferably once or twice per day.

It will be understood, however, that the specific dose level and frequency of dosage for any particular patient may be varied and will depend upon a variety of factors including the activity of the specific compound employed, the metabolic stability and length of action of that compound, the age, body weight, general health, sex, diet, mode and time of administration, rate of excretion, drug combination, the severity of the particular condition, and the host undergoing therapy.

The compounds of the present invention can be combined with other compounds having related utilities to prevent and treat inflammatory and immunoregulatory disorders and diseases, including asthma and allergic diseases, as well as autoimmune pathologies such as rheumatoid arthritis and atherosclerosis, and those pathologies noted above.

For example, in the treatment or prevention of inflammation, the present compounds may be used in conjunction with an antiinflammatory or analgesic agent such as an opiate agonist, a lipoxygenase inhibitor, such as an inhibitor of 5-lipoxygenase, a cyclooxygenase inhibitor, such as a cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor, an interleukin inhibitor, such as an interleukin-1 inhibitor, an NMDA antagonist, an inhibitor of nitric oxide or an inhibitor of the synthesis of nitric oxide, a non-steroidal antiinflammatory agent, or a cytokine-suppressing antiinflammatory agent, for example with a compound such as acetaminophen, aspirin, codiene, fentanyl, ibuprofen, indomethacin, ketorolac, morphine, naproxen, phenacetin, piroxicam, a steroidal analgesic, sufentanyl, sunlindac, tenidap, and the like. Similarly, the instant compounds may be administered with a pain reliever; a potentiator such as caffeine, an H2-antagonist, simethicone, aluminum or magnesium hydroxide; a decongestant such as phenylephrine, phenylpropanolamine, pseudophedrine, oxymetazoline, ephinephrine, naphazoline, xylometazoline, propylhexedrine, or levo-desoxy-ephedrine; an antiitussive such as codeine, hydrocodone, caramiphen, carbetapentane, or dextramethorphan; a diuretic; and a sedating or non-sedating antihistamine. Likewise, compounds of the present invention may be used in combination with other drugs that are used in the treatment/prevention/suppression or amelioration of the diseases or conditions for which compounds of the present invention are useful. Such other drugs may be administered, by a route and in an amount commonly used therefor, contemporaneously or sequentially with a compound of the present invention. When a compound of the present invention is used contemporaneously with one or more other drugs, a pharmaceutical composition containing such other drugs in addition to the compound of the present invention is preferred. Accordingly, the pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention include those that also contain one or more other active ingredients, in addition to a compound of the present invention. Examples of other active ingredients that may be combined with a compound of the present invention, either administered separately or in the same pharmaceutical compositions, include, but are not limited to: (a) VLA-4 antagonists, (b) steroids such as beclomethasone, methylprednisolone, betamethasone, prednisone, dexamethasone, and hydrocortisone; (c) immunosuppressants such as cyclosporin, tacrolimus, rapamycin and other FK-506 type immunosuppressants; (d) antihistamines (H1-histamine antagonists) such as bromopheniramine, chlorpheniramine, dexchlorpheniramine, triprolidine, clemastine, diphenhydramine, diphenylpyraline, tripelennamine, hydroxyzine, methdilazine, promethazine, trimeprazine, azatadine, cyproheptadine, antazoline, pheniramine pyrilamine, astemizole, terfenadine, loratadine, cetirizine, fexofenadine, descarboethoxyloratadine, and the like; (e) non-steroidal anti-asthmatics such as beta2-agonists (terbutaline, metaproterenol, fenoterol, isoetharine, albuterol, bitolterol, and pirbuterol), theophylline, cromolyn sodium, atropine, ipratropium bromide, leukotriene antagonists (zafirlukast, montelukast, pranlukast, iralukast, pobilukast, SKB-106,203), leukotriene biosynthesis inhibitors (zileuton, BAY-1005); (f) non-steroidal antiinflammatory agents (NSAIDs) such as propionic acid derivatives (alminoprofen, benoxaprofen, bucloxic acid, carprofen, fenbufen, fenoprofen, fluprofen, flurbiprofen, ibuprofen, indoprofen, ketoprofen, miroprofen, naproxen, oxaprozin, pirprofen, pranoprofen, suprofen, tiaprofenic acid, and tioxaprofen), acetic acid derivatives (indomethacin, acemetacin, alclofenac, clidanac, diclofenac, fenclofenac, fenclozic acid, fentiazac, furofenac, ibufenac, isoxepac, oxpinac, sulindac, tiopinac, tolmetin, zidometacin, and zomepirac), fenamic acid derivatives (flufenamic acid, meclofenamic acid, mefenamic acid, niflumic acid and tolfenamic acid), biphenylcarboxylic acid derivatives (diflunisal and flufenisal), oxicams (isoxicam, piroxicam, sudoxicam and tenoxican), salicylates (acetyl salicylic acid, sulfasalazine) and the pyrazolones (apazone, bezpiperylon, feprazone, mofebutazone, oxyphenbutazone, phenylbutazone); (g) cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitors; (h) inhibitors of phosphodiesterase type IV (PDE-IV); (i) other antagonists of the chemokine receptors, especially CCR-1, CCR-2, CCR-3 and CCR-5; (j) cholesterol lowering agents such as HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (lovastatin, simvastatin and pravastatin, fluvastatin, atorvastatin, and other statins), sequestrants (cholestyramine and colestipol), nicotinic acid, fenofibric acid derivatives (gemfibrozil, clofibrat, fenofibrate and benzafibrate), and probucol; (k) anti-diabetic agents such as insulin, sulfonylureas, biguanides (metformin), alpha-glucosidase inhibitors (acarbose) and glitazones (troglitazone and pioglitazone); (l) preparations of interferon beta (interferon beta-1 alpha, interferon beta-1beta.); (m) other compounds such as 5-aminosalicylic acid and prodrugs thereof, antimetabolites such as azathioprine and 6-mercaptopurine, and cytotoxic cancer chemotherapeutic agents. The weight ratio of the compound of the present invention to the second active ingredient may be varied and will depend upon the effective dose of each ingredient. Generally, an effective dose of each will be used. Thus, for example, when a compound of the present invention is combined with an NSAID the weight ratio of the compound of the present invention to the NSAID will generally range from about 1000:1 to about 1:1000, preferably about 200:1 to about 1:200. Combinations of a compound of the present invention and other active ingredients will generally also be within the aforementioned range, but in each case, an effective dose of each active ingredient should be used.

IX. Detection and Quantification of CCX CKR Polynucleotides and Polypeptides

The present invention provides a number of methods for detection and quantification of CCX CKR polypeptides and polynucleotides in biological samples. In one embodiment, expression or over expression of the CCX CKR gene product (e.g., polypeptide or mRNA) is correlated with a disease or condition mediated by, or associated with the CCX CKR. It will be appreciated from the expression pattern of CCX CKR mRNA (see FIG. 2B) that detection of CCX CKR gene products is particularly useful for identifying cell state, e.g., to identify immature (in contrast to mature) dendritic cells as well as activated T cells.

The biological samples can include, but are not limited to, a blood sample, serum, cells (including whole cells, cell fractions, cell extracts, and cultured cells or cell lines), tissues (including tissues obtained by biopsy), body fluids (e.g., urine, sputum, amniotic fluid, synovial fluid), or from media (from cultured cells or cell lines), and the like. The methods of detecting or quantifying CCX CKR polynucleotides include, but are not limited to, amplification-based assays with or without signal amplification, hybridization based assays, and combination amplification-hybridization assays. For detecting and quantifying CCX CKR polypeptides, an exemplary method is an immunoassay that utilizes an antibody or other binding agents that specifically binds to an CCX CKR polypeptide or epitope.

A. Assays for CCX CKR Polynucleotides

1. Amplification-Based Methods

The polymerase chain reaction (PCR), or its variations, is an exemplary amplification-based assay. Examples of techniques sufficient to direct persons of skill through in vitro amplification methods are found in PCR TECHNOLOGY: PRINCIPLES AND APPLICATIONS FOR DNA AMPLIFICATION, H. Erlich, Ed. Freeman Press, New York, N.Y. (1992); PCR PROTOCOLS: A GUIDE TO METHODS AND APPLICATIONS, eds. Innis, Gelfland, Snisky, and White, Academic Press, San Diego, Calif. (1990). Other suitable target amplification methods include the ligase chain reaction (LCR; e.g., Wu and Wallace, 1989, Genomics 4:560); strand displacement amplification (SDA; e.g., Walker et al., 1992, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 89:392-396); the nucleic acid sequence based amplification (NASBA, Cangene, Mississauga, Ontario; e.g., Compton, 1991, Nature 350:91), and the like.

One useful variant of PCR is PCR ELISA (e.g., Boehringer Mannheim Cat. No. 1 636 111) in which digoxigenin-dUTP is incorporated into the PCR product. The PCR reaction mixture is denatured and hybridized with a biotin-labeled oligonucleotide designed to anneal to an internal sequence of the PCR product. The hybridization products are immobilized on streptavidin coated plates and detected using anti-digoxigenin antibodies.

2. Hybridization-Based Methods

A variety of methods for specific DNA and RNA measurement using polynucleotide hybridization techniques are known to those of skill in the art (see Sambrook, supra). Hybridization based assays refer to assays in which a polynucleotide probe is hybridized to a target polynucleotide. Usually the polynucleotide hybridization probes of the invention are entirely or substantially identical to a contiguous sequence of the CCX CKR nucleic acid sequence. Preferably, polynucleotide probes are at least about 10 bases, often at least about 20 bases, and sometimes at least about 200 bases or more in length. Methods of selecting polynucleotide probe sequences for use in polynucleotide hybridization are discussed in Sambrook, supra.

Polynucleotide hybridization formats are known to those skilled in the art. In some formats, at least one of the target and probe is immobilized. The immobilized polynucleotide may be DNA, RNA, or another oligo- or poly-nucleotide, and may comprise natural or non-naturally occurring nucleotides, nucleotide analogs, or backbones. Such assays may be in any of several formats including: Southern, Northern, dot and slot blots, high-density polynucleotide or oligonucleotide arrays (e.g., GeneChips™ Affymetrix), dip sticks, pins, chips, or beads. All of these techniques are well known in the art and are the basis of many commercially available diagnostic kits. Hybridization techniques are generally described in Hames et al., ed., NUCLEIC ACID HYBRIDIZATION, A PRACTICAL APPROACH IRL Press, (1985); Gall and Pardue Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., U.S.A., 63: 378-383 (1969); and John et al., Nature, 223: 582-587 (1969).

In one embodiment, in situ hybridization is used to detect CCX CKR sequences in a sample. In situ hybridization assays are well known and are generally described in Angerer et al., METHODS ENZYMOL., 152: 649-660 (1987) and Ausubel, supra.

B. CCX CKR Polypeptide Assays

In one embodiment, the CCX CKR polynucleotide is detected in a sample using an anti-CCX CKR antibody of the invention. A number of well established immunological binding assay are suitable for detecting and quantifying CCX CKR of the present invention. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,366,241; 4,376,110; 4,517,288; and 4,837,168, and also METHODS IN CELL BIOLOGY VOLUME 37: ANTIBODIES IN CELL BIOLOGY, Asai, ed. Academic Press, Inc. New York (1993); BASIC AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY 7th Edition, Stites & Terr, eds. (1991); Harlow, supra [e.g., Chapter 14], and Ausubel, supra, [e.g., Chapter 11], each of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety and for all purposes.

Immunoassays for detecting CCX CKR may be competitive or noncompetitive. Usually the CCX CKR gene product being assayed is detected directly or indirectly using a detectable label. The particular label or detectable group used in the assay is usually not a critical aspect of the invention, so long as it does not significantly interfere with the specific binding of the antibody or antibodies used in the assay. The label may be covalently attached to the capture agent (e.g., an anti CCX CKR antibody), or may be attached to a third moiety, such as another antibody, that specifically binds to the CCX CKR polypeptide at a different epitope than recognized by the capture agent.

1. Non-Competitive Immunoassay

Noncompetitive immunoassays are assays in which the amount of captured analyte (here, the CCX CKR polypeptide) is directly measured. One such assay is a two-site, monoclonal-based immunoassay utilizing monoclonal antibodies reactive to two non-interfering epitopes on the captured analyte. See, e.g., Maddox et al., 1983, J. Exp. Med., 158:1211 for background information. In such an assay, the amount of CCX CKR in the sample is directly measured. For example, using a so-called “sandwich” assay, the capture agent (here, the anti-CCX CKR antibodies) can be bound directly to a solid substrate where they are immobilized. These immobilized antibodies then capture polypeptide present in the test sample. CCX CKR thus immobilized is then bound by a labeling agent, such as a second CCX CKR antibody bearing a label. Alternatively, the second CCX CKR antibody may lack a label, but it may, in turn, be bound by a labeled third antibody specific to antibodies of the species from which the second antibody is derived. The second can be modified with a detectable moiety, such as biotin, to which a third labeled molecule can specifically bind, such as enzyme-labeled streptavidin.

2. Competitive Immunoassay

In competitive assays, the amount of CCX CKR polypeptide present in the sample is measured indirectly by measuring the amount of an added (exogenous) CCX CKR displaced (or competed away) from a capture agent (e.g., anti-CCX CKR antibody) by the analyte present in the sample (e.g., CCX CKR polypeptide). In one competitive assay, a known amount of CCX CKR is added to the sample and the sample is then contacted with a capture agent (e.g., an anti-CCX CKR antibody) that specifically binds to CCX CKR. The amount of CCX CKR bound to the antibody is inversely proportional to the concentration of CCX CKR present in the sample.

Preferably, the antibody is immobilized on a solid substrate. The amount of CCX CKR bound to the antibody may be determined either by measuring the amount of CCX CKR present in an CCX CKR/antibody complex, or alternatively by measuring the amount of remaining uncomplexed CCX CKR. The amount of CCX CKR may be detected by providing a labeled CCX CKR molecule.

For example, using the hapten inhibition assay, the analyte (in this case CCX CKR) is immobilized on a solid substrate. A known amount of anti-CCX CKR antibody is added to the sample, and the sample is then contacted with the immobilized CCX CKR. In this case, the amount of anti-CCX CKR antibody bound to the immobilized CCX CKR is inversely proportional to the amount of CCX CKR present in the sample. Again the amount of immobilized antibody may be detected by detecting either the immobilized fraction of antibody or the fraction of the antibody that remains in solution. Detection may be direct where the antibody is labeled or indirect by the subsequent addition of a labeled moiety that specifically binds to the antibody as described above.

3. Other Assays

In addition to the competitive and non-competitive CCX CKR polypeptide immunoassays, the present invention also provides other assays for detection and quantification of CCX CKR polypeptides. For example, Western blot (immunoblot) analysis can be used to detect and quantify the presence of CCX CKR in the sample. The technique generally comprises separating sample polypeptides by gel electrophoresis on the basis of molecular weight, transferring the separated polypeptides to a suitable solid support (such as a nitrocellulose filter, a nylon filter, or derivatized nylon filter), and incubating the sample with the antibodies that specifically bind CCX CKR. The anti-CCX CKR antibodies specifically bind to CCX CKR on the solid support. These antibodies may be directly labeled or alternatively may be subsequently detected using labeled antibodies (e.g., labeled sheep anti-mouse antibodies) that specifically bind to the anti-CCX CKR.

Furthermore, assays such as liposome immunoassays (LIA) are also encompassed by the present invention. LIA utilizes liposomes that are designed to bind specific molecules (e.g., antibodies) and to release encapsulated reagents or markers. The released chemicals are then detected according to standard techniques (see, Monroe et al., 1986, Amer. Clin. Prod. Rev. 5:34 41).

In a different embodiment, the CCX CKR protein can be detected using detectably-labeled chemokine ligands that bind the receptor, e.g., labeled ELC, SLC, TECK, BLC, mCTACK, mMIP-1γ and vMIPII.

X. Kits

Reagents useful for the therapeutic and diagnostic (detection) methods of the invention are conveniently provided in kit form. Thus, the present invention encompasses kits that contain polypeptides, antibodies, and polynucleotides of the present invention.

In one embodiment, the kit comprises one or more of the following in a container: (1) CCX CKR polynucleotides (e.g., oligonucleotide primers or probes corresponding to the CCX CKR cDNA sequence and capable of amplifying the target polynucleotides); (2) anti-CCX CKR antibodies; (3) CCX CKR polypeptides or fragments, optionally coated on a solid surface (such as a slide, multiple well plate, or test tube) (4) a CCX CKR polynucleotide (e.g., for use as positive controls in assays), (5) and tubes. Instructions for carrying out the detection methods of the invention, and calibration curves can also be included.

XI. Chemokine References

Chemokines are well known in the art. Exemplary chemokines include those listed in FIG. 4(a) and homologs in other species (e.g., mammalian, mouse, rat rabbit, human, non-human primate, and the like. The following references describe certain cytokines. Additional references describing these and other chemokines known in the art are provided in the R&D Systems Catalog (1999) and (2000) R&D Systems Inc., 614 McKinley Place N.E. MN 55413, the R&D online catalog at www.mdsystems.com (e.g., Oct. 10, 1999), both of which are incorporated by reference for all purposes, the CFB (Cytokine Facts Book, 1994, Academic Press Ltd.), Chemokine Facts Book, 1997, Academic Press Ltd., incorporated by reference for all purposes, and the GenBank protein sequence database http://www.ncbi. nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi).

A. SLC/6-Ckine

-   Campbell, J. J. et al., (1998) J. Cell Biol. 141(4):1053. -   Hedrick, J. A. and A. Zlotnik. (1997) J. Immunol. 159:1589. -   Hromas, R. et al., (1997) J. Immunol. 159:2554. -   Kim, C. H. and H. E. Broxmeyer. (1999) J. Leuk. Biol. 65:6. -   Nagira, M. et al., (1997) J. Biol. Chem. 272:19518. -   Yoshida, R. et al., (1998) J. Biol. Chem. 273(12):7118. -   Zlotnik, A. et al., (1999) Crit. Rev. Immunol. 19:1.     B. ELC/MIP-3β -   Rossi, D. L. et al., (1997) J. Immunol. 158:1033. -   Rollins, B. J. (1997) Blood 90(3):909. -   Yoshida, R. et al., (1997) J. Biol. Chem. 272:13803.     C. TECK -   Nomiyama, H. et al., (1998) Genomics 51(2):311. -   Vicari, A. P. et al., (1997) Immunity 7:291. -   Zaballos, A. et al., (1999) J. Immunol. 162(10):5671. -   Zlotnik, A. et al., (1999) Crit. Rev. Immunol. 19: 1.     D. CTACK/CCL27/ALP/ILC/ESkine -   Morales et al., 1999, Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 96:14470-5 -   Jarmin et al., 2000, J. Immunol. 164:3460-4 -   Baird et al., 1999, J Biol. Chem. 274:33496-503 -   Ishikawa-Mochizuki et al., 1999, FEBS Lett. 460:544-8 -   Hromas et al., 1999, Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 258:737-40 -   Pan et al., 2000, J. Immunol. 165:2943-49 -   Homey et al., J. Immunol. 164:3465-70).     E. BLC-1/BCA-1 -   Forster, R. et. al. (1996) Cell 87:1037. -   Gunn, M. D. et al., (1998) Nature 391:799. -   Legler, D. F. et al., (1998) J. Exp. Med. 187:655.     F. vMIPII -   Boshoff et al., (1997) Science 278:290-4 -   Kledal et al., (1997) Science 277:1656-9 -   Sozzani et al., (1998) Blood 92:4036-9 -   Geras-Raaka et al., (1999), Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 253:725-7     G. MCP-4 -   Kim, C. H. and H. E. Broxmeyer. (1999) J. Leuk. Biol. 65:6. -   Ruffing, N. et al., (1998) Cell Immunol. 189(2):160. -   Uguccioni, M. et al., (1996) J. Exp. Med. 183:2379. -   Ziotnik, A. et al., (1999) Crit. Rev. Immunol. 19:1. -   H. mMIP-1γ (CCF18) -   Wang et al., J Clin Immunol (1998) 18:214-22 -   Hara et al., J. Immunol. (1995) 155:5352-8.

XII. EXAMPLES

The following examples are offered to illustrate, but not to limit the claimed invention. Some experiments are described in Gosling et al., 2000, J. 1 mm. 164:2851-56, which is incorporated herein in its entirety for all purposes.

A. Abbreviations

EST, expressed sequence tag; ORF, open reading frame; DC, dendritic cell; ELC, EBI1 ligand chemokine; SLC, secondary lymphoid-tissue chemokine; TECK, thymus expressed chemokine; HEK293, human embryonic kidney 293 cells; PEI, polyethylenemine; CCR, CC chemokine receptor.

B. Materials and Methods

Human, viral and murine recombinant chemokines were obtained from R&D Systems (Minneapolis, Minn.; http://cytokine.mdsystems.com/cyt_cat/cyt_cat.html). ¹²⁵I labeled ELC and TECK were obtained from Amersham. Full length CCX CKR expression constructs were made in pIRESpuro expression vector (Clontech, Palo Alto, Calif.) with a FLAG epitope tag and prolactin signal sequence, and used to generated stable transfectants in HEK293 cells. Transient and stable transfections for CCX CKR and stalkokines were done using Superfect reagent (Qiagen, Valencia, Calif.) following manufacturer's protocol. Stables were generated by selecting in 2 ug/mL puromycin for 7 days, and expression was confirmed by FACS analysis of the FLAG epitope using anti-FLAG M1 (Sigma, St. Louis, Mo.) and 2′ anti-mouse PE conjugate (Coulter Immunotech, Miami, Fla.).

Example 1

Identification and Cloning of CCX CKR

BLAST analysis of known chemokine receptors identified a bovine receptor, PPR1, designated as a gustatory receptor (Matsuoka et al,., 1993, Biochem Biophys Res Comm 194:540-11). A search of a human EST database using the PPR1 sequence identified two non-contiguous EST's: H67224 and AI131555. Primers were designed against the 5′ end of H67224 (5′ AAT TTG GCT GTA GCA GAT TTA CTC C₃′ [SEQ. ID. NO:4]) and in the reverse orientation for the 3′ end of AI31555 (5′ GCT AAA AGT ACT GGT TGG C 3[SEQ. ID. NO:5]), and used in PCR (5% DMSO, annealing 58° C.) of genomic DNA isolated from human buffy coats. The reaction resulted in a 855 bp product containing the ESTs and connecting sequences. The 855 bp fragment product was used to design additional primers for use in an anchored PCR screen of a Rapid Screen™ arrayed spleen cDNA library (Origene, Rockville, Md.), yielding a 5′ extended clone; this clone was finally used to screen a human genomic library by filter hybridization. Full length coding sequence was deduced by sequence analysis of genomic clones using reverse primer from the 5′ sequence of Origene clone PCR with proofreading Pfu (Stratagene) enzyme. The refined sequence was confirmed on several clones and is shown in FIG. 1. [A preliminary sequence determination differed from FIG. 1 at the following positions: 47, 64, 78, 120, 131, 545, 571, 574 (using the numbering of FIG. 1) which were G, G, G, C, C, T, A, and T, respectively [SEQ. ID. NO:3], which variant is also contemplated by the invention). The coding sequence was cloned into pIRESpuro expression vector (Clontech, Palo Alto, Calif.) with a FLAG epitope tag and prolactin signal sequence.

The deduced amino acid sequence encoded by the CCX CKR cDNA was compared to other human chemokine receptors using the sequence alignment program CLUSTAL (GeneWorks). Shown is the CCX CKR amino acid sequence aligned with the human CCR6, 7, 9 and orphan STRL33/Bonzo (FIG. 2A). The positions of the hydrophobic membrane spanning regions TM1 to TM7 are indicated by bars above the sequence. Amino acids identical between CCX CKR and other chemokine receptors are boxed. Multiple sequence alignment of the protein encoded by CCX CKR with these and other human chemokine receptor sequences showed amino acid identities ranging from 29 to 35%.

Example 2

Expression of CCX CKR in Leukocytes and Various Tissues

The expression of CCX CKR mRNA was determined by PCR analysis of human cDNAs as well as by RT-PCR of RNAs isolated from various tissues. First, CCX CKR expression in hematopoietic cells and tissues was investigated. Receptor expression was apparent in immature dendritic cells (DC) (derived from monocytes after treatment with GM-CSF and IL-4), primary T cells from 2 of 3 donors, and in spleen and lymph node tissue (FIG. 2B). Additionally, expression was detected in non-lymphoid tissues such as heart, kidney, placenta, trachea, and brain; unfractionated leukocytes on the same panel were also positive (FIG. 2B). Control PCR products for GAPDH confirmed the integrity of all starting RNA.

The observed pattern of CCX CKR overlaps with, and expands, the distribution reported for human expressed sequence tags found in the NCBI databases: These ESTs have been have been isolated from kidney, fetal heart, olfactory epithelium, and tonsillar B cells. Thus, CCX CKR seems expressed in motile cells in the periphery, as well as in lymphoid and non-lymphoid tissues.

Example 3

Stable Expression of CCX CKR Protein.

To assess the functional properties of the protein encoded by the CCX CKR cDNA, including its potential chemokine binding profile, we constructed expression plasmids encoding CCX CKR with an added N-terminal Flag epitope. This allowed for detection and selection, using an anti-Flag mAb, of the most highly expressing stable transfectants. Human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK293) cells stably expressing the M1 flag epitope-tagged CCX CKR were confirmed by FACS (FIG. 2C), and were selected for further analysis. Cell lines transfected with the Flag-CCX CKR fusion plasmid are referred to as “F-CCR10 cells” (e.g., F-CCR10 293 cells).

Example 4

Adhesion of CCX CKR Transfectants to ELC-Stalkokines

A. Receptor interrogation by adhesion to stalkokines.

“Stalkokine” technology was used to identify the chemokines bound by the CCX CKR. Briefly, immobilized native chemokines alone are incapable of capturing cells bearing cognate receptors (Imai et al., 1997, Cell 91:521). We have developed non-native chemokine structures, stalkokines, comprising chemokine moieties engineered as N-terminal attachments to extended modified mucins (Bazan et al., 1997, Nature 385:640). In one embodiment, stalkokines, harvested in the supernatants of HEK293 cells after transient transfection, are anchored to solid substrates via antibodies against carrier domains (e.g. poly-His epitopes) engineered to the carboxyl terminus, leaving the chemokine domain free to interact with candidate orphan receptors.

It will be appreciated that, in addition to identification of ligands bound by the CCX CKR, the stalkokine technology may be used for to identify ligands for other receptors (e.g., orphan chemokine receptors) via adhesion.

To determine ligand binding to CCX CKR, HEK293-CCX CKR cells were used to interrogate chemokine ‘stalkokines’ (SK), i.e., molecules in which discrete chemokine domains were engineered to be tethered to the end of an extended stalk structure. Stalkokines were interrogated using 8-well chamber slides coated first with anti-His anchoring antibody (10 ug/ml in PBS overnight at RT), which were washed and ‘blocked’ (2% FBS/0.5% BSA in PBS); treated with 250 ul of HEK293 cell stalkokine supernatants (1 hr at 37C), and incubated with 500,000 HEK293-CCX CKR transfectants (1.5 hrs at RT). Inhibition of adhesion by competition with soluble chemokines was done by incubating cells with 5-10 ug/ml of recombinant chemokines. In all cases, nonadherent cells were removed by washing in PBS; remaining adherent cells were fixed with 1% glutaraldehyde, photoimaged and counted. As a primary screen this adhesion would reveal putative receptor-ligand interactions.

CCX CCR cells adhered very well to ELC stalkokines (ELC-SK; FIG. 3A). Furthermore ELC-SK mediated adhesion was abolished in the presence of soluble native ELC as a competitor (FIG. 3A, top row). We also observed a significant reduction in ELC-SK mediated adhesion of HEK293-CCX CKR cells in the presence of soluble SLC, as well as soluble TECK, but not soluble MCP-3 (FIG. 3A, bottom row). These experiments were performed and quantitated over several independent trials, an example of which is given in FIG. 3B, and were found to be highly reproducible. Moreover, radiolabeled ELC was used in a traditional homologous competition assay in the presence of increasing concentrations of unlabeled ELC. The results revealed significant binding of ELC to HEK293-CCX CKR cells, but not to wildtype (wt) HEK293 cells (FIG. 3C). Nearly identical results were obtained in homologous competition of radiolabeled TECK with cold TECK (not shown). Taken together, the stalkokine-based adhesion and radiolabeled ligand binding/homologous competition assays indicate that CCX CKR is a new chemokine receptor that bound a novel compliment of chemokines.

Example 5

Complete Ligand Binding ‘Fingerprint’ of CCX CKR.

In order to rapidly and thoroughly define a given chemokine receptor's ligand binding fingerprint, we have established an approach to comprehensively profile chemokine receptors using a large array of purified chemokines and chemokine variants. We used this approach to confirm independently the interaction of ELC and other chemokines with CCX CKR. Employing radioligand binding of ¹²⁵I-labeled-ELC or ¹²⁵I-TECK to CCX CKR stable transfectants, chemokine specificity for the new receptor was determined. Approximately 80 distinct purified chemokines and chemokine variants were used as cold competitors (initially at a saturating final concentration of 200 nM), against ¹²⁵I-labeled ELC (FIG. 4A) or ¹²⁵I-TECK (not shown) in binding experiments; the results were comparable for each. The radiolabeled ligand binding displacement data confirmed that CCX CKR bound well to human and murine ELC, SLC, TECK, and moderately to mMIP-1 gamma (although its human homolog did not bind). Moreover, other potential lower affinity chemokine ligands were revealed including the CXC chemokine BLC, and the virally-encoded vMIPII from the human Kaposi's sarcoma herpesvirus HHV8 (FIG. 4A). All other chemokines tested failed to compete consistently with radiolabeled ELC.

Example 6

Determination of Binding Constants

Binding analysis was carried out using efficiency-maximized radioligand binding utilizing filtration protocols designated “Displace Max” (Dairaghi et al., 1999, J. Biol. Chem. 274:21569). In these assays, DisplaceMax employed the simultaneous interrogation of CCX CKR transfectants by >80 distinct purified chemokines in the ability to displace radiolabeled ELC or TECK, using the protocol described (Dairaghi et al., 1999, J. Biol. Chem. 274:21569).

The binding interactions identified in the primary screen were examined quantitatively by extensive radioligand binding competition to CCX CKR stable transfectants and Scatchard transformation of the displacement data (FIG. 4B). The results confirmed the high affinity binding of human ELC, SLC, and TECK with affinities between ˜Kd 5-15 nM. In each case, the murine versions of these chemokines also bound, and with even greater affinity; the apparent Kd's are listed in FIG. 4B. Intriguingly, the CC chemokine BLC, while of lesser affinity, also bound well, showing a steeply inflected competition curve. The viral chemokine vMIP-II showed moderate to low affinity, and was the only viral chemokine to show any interaction with CCX CKR. In similar experiments, murine CTACK bound the receptor with a Kd of ˜9 nM (not shown). CTACK is also refered to as CCL27, ALP, ILC, and ESkine.

The HEK293-CCX CKR cells did not exhibit robust cytoplasmic calcium signals in several tests, but this may be due to G protein dilution, since the transfectants stably express CCX CKR protein at >250,000 sites per cell (not shown). Also, in preliminary chemotaxis analyses, the CCX CKR transfectants showed moderate migration in response to ELC and SLC, but not to chemokines having no binding activity (not shown). Taken together, these data indicate that the physiologically relevant spectrum of ligands for CCX CKR includes ELC, SLC and TECK, with possible lower affinity interactions with the CXC chemokine BLC and the viral chemokine vMIP-II.

Example 7

Identification of Small Molecule Modulators of CCX CKR

This example illustrates screening procedures used in characterizing the compounds of the present invention.

Source plates of chemical libraries were obtained from commercial vendors and contained individual compounds at 5 mg/mL in DMSO, or in some instances, at 1 mg/mL. From these, multiple compound plates containing 10 compounds in each well were made, and these were diluted in 20% DMSO to a concentration of 50 μg/mL (10 μg/mL for those beginning at 1 mg/mL). An aliquot of 20 μL of each mixture was put into the test plates, which were stored frozen until use.

HEK293 cells stably expressing the M1 flag epitope-tagged CCX CKR (described in Example 3, supra) were cultured in DMEM-10% FBS, and harvested when the concentration was between 0.5-1.0×10⁶ cells/mL. The cells were centrifuged and resuspended in assay buffer (20 mM HEPES, 80 mM NaCl, 1 mM CaCl₂, 5 mM MgCl₂, and with 0.2% bovine serum albumin, pH 7.4) to a concentration of 5.6×10⁶ cells/mL.

Using a Multi-Probe automated system, 0.09 mL of cells was added to each well of the assay test plates containing the compounds, followed by 0.09 mL of ¹²⁵I-MIPβ3/ELC (from Amersham Pharmacia Biotech) diluted in assay buffer (final concentration ˜25-100 μM, with ˜50,000 cpm per well). The final concentration of the compounds was 1-5 μg/mL each. The plates were sealed and incubated for approximately 3 hours at 4° C. on a shaker platform. The assay plates were harvested using Packard GP/B filter plates, pre-soaked in PEI solution, on the vacuum harvest apparatus. Scintillation fluid (50 PL) was added to each of the wells, the plates were sealed and counted in a Top Count scintillation counter. Control wells contained either diluent only (for total counts) or excess ELC (1 μg/mL, for non-specific binding) and were used to calculate the percent of total inhibition of ELC binding for each set of compounds. Compounds I and II were found to inhibit binding between ELC and CCX CKR. Compound III was determined to enhance binding.

Example 8

Ligand Induced Internalization of CCX CKR

293 cells transfected with the Flag-CCX CKR fusion plasmid (i.e., “293 F-CCR10 cells;” see Example 3) were incubated at 37° C. with varying concentrations of chemokines (ELC, SLC, TECK, murine CTACK and MCP-4) for 15 or 45 minutes. Following incubation, the cells were washed and fixed with 3% paraformaldehyde for 15 minutes on ice. The cells were stained with anti-Flag M1 antibody, followed by a PE-conjugated anti-mouse secondary antibody. FACS analysis were then carried out to determine surface expression of the receptor.

Results: A reduction in antibody binding in the presence of ligand is an indication of ligand-induced internalization of the receptor. Cells incubated with ligand on ice, and then washed, or incubated with primary antibody in the absence of ligand, showed no inhibition of antibody binding to the receptor on the surface of the cells (i.e., no receptor internalization; data not shown). Internalization of the receptor was observed in the presence of 100 nM ELC, SLC, TECK, and murine CTACK (see FIG. 6). MCP-4 did not cause internalization. Internalization of the receptor was found to be dose and time dependent.

All references cited herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety and for all purposes to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

Many modifications and variations of this invention can be made without departing from its spirit and scope, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The specific embodiments described herein are offered by way of example only, and the invention is to be limited only by the terms of the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. 

1. An isolated or recombinant CCX CKR polypeptide or fragment thereof, wherein said polypeptide or fragment binds ELC, SLC or TECK.
 2. The polypeptide or fragment of claim 1, wherein the polypeptide has an amino acid sequence that is at least 90% identical to SEQ ID NO:2.
 3. The polypeptide or fragment of claim 2, that specifically binds to an antibody generated against a polypeptide of SEQ ID NO.
 2. 4. The polypeptide of claim 1 that has an amino acid sequence identical to SEQ ID NO:2, or an immunogenic fragment thereof.
 5. A fusion protein comprising a polypeptide of claim
 1. 6. An isolated polynucleotide that encodes the polypeptide of claim 1 or a fragment thereof.
 7. A polynucleotide comprising a sequence encoding a polypeptide that has a chemokine binding activity and which is: (a) a polynucleotide having the sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 or SEQ ID NO 3; or (b) a polynucleotide which hybridizes under stringent conditions to (a); or (c) a polynucleotide sequence which is degenerate as a result of the genetic code to the sequences defined in (a) or (b).
 8. The polynucleotide of claim 7 that is operably linked to a promoter.
 9. A recombinant vector comprising the polynucleotide of claim
 7. 10. The vector of claim 9 that is an expression vector.
 11. A cell comprising the vector of claim
 9. 12. The cell of claim 11 that is a eukaryotic cell or a mammalian cell.
 13. A method for producing an CCX CKR protein, peptide or fusion protein comprising culturing the cell of claim 11 under conditions in which the polynucleotide is expressed.
 14. A polynucleotide primer, probe, antisense oligonucleotide or ribozyme comprising at least 15 contiguous bases identical or exactly complementary to SEQ ID NO:1.
 15. An antibody, or fragment thereof, wherein the antibody or antibody fragment specifically binds to the polypeptide of claim
 4. 16. The antibody of claim 15 that is monoclonal.
 17. The antibody of claim 16, wherein the antibody binds with an affinity of at least about 10⁸ M⁻¹.
 18. An isolated cell capable of secreting the antibody of claim
 16. 19. A hybridoma capable of secreting the antibody of claim
 16. 20. A method of detecting an CCX CKR gene product in a sample comprising: a) contacting the sample with a probe that specifically binds the gene product, wherein the probe and the gene product form a complex, and detecting the formation of the complex; or, b) specifically amplifying the gene product in the biological sample, wherein said gene product is a polynucleotide, and detecting the amplification product; wherein the formation of the complex or presence of the amplification product is correlated with the presence of the CCX CKR gene product in the biological sample.
 21. The method of claim 20, wherein the gene product is a polypeptide.
 22. The method of claim 20, wherein the probe is an antibody.
 23. The method of claim 20, wherein gene product is an RNA and the probe is a polynucleotide.
 24. A method of amplifying a CCX CKR polynucleotide in a sample comprising (a) adding reagents sufficient for a polymerase chain reaction and at least two different primers to the sample, wherein each of said primers comprise at least 10 contiguous nucleotides identical or exactly complementary to SEQ. ID. NO: 1; or, (b) adding reagents sufficient for a ligase chain reaction and at least two different oligomers to the sample, wherein each of said primers comprise at least 10 contiguous nucleotides identical or exactly complementary to SEQ. ID. NO:
 1. 25. A method for identifying a modulator of the binding of CCX CKR to a chemokine comprising (a) contacting an isolated or recombinant CCX CKR polypeptide and the chemokine in the presence of a test compound, and (b) comparing the level of binding of the chemokine and the polypeptide in (a) with the level of binding in the absence of the test compound, wherein a decrease in binding indicates that the test compound is an inhibitor of binding and an increase in binding indicates that the test compound is an enhancer of binding.
 26. The method of claim 25 wherein the chemokine is ELC, SLC, TECK, BLC, CTACK, mMIP-1γ or vMIPII.
 27. The method of claim 25 wherein said contacting said polypeptide comprises contacting a cell expressing the polypeptide.
 28. A process for providing a pharmaceutical composition, comprising effecting the steps of a method of claim 25 and thereafter formulating a modulator for pharmaceutical use.
 29. A method of identifying a modulator of CCX CKR activity comprising contacting a cell expressing a recombinant polypeptide of claim 1 and a test compound and assaying for a biological effect that occurs in the presence but not absence of the test compound, wherein a test compound that induces a biological effect is identified as a modulator of CCX CKR activity.
 30. The method of claim 29, wherein the biological effect is receptor internalization.
 31. The method of claim 30, further comprising contacting the cell with a chemokine.
 32. A process for providing a pharmaceutical composition, comprising effecting the steps of a method of claim 25 and thereafter formulating a modulator of CCX CKR activity for pharmaceutical use.
 33. A method of treating an CCX CKR-mediated condition in a mammal comprising administering an agent that modulates the activity or expression of CCX CKR in a cell or tissue in the mammal.
 34. The method of claim 33 wherein the agent is an agent that inhibits the binding of CCX CKR to ELC, SLC or TECK.
 35. The method of claim 33 wherein the CCX CKR-mediated condition inflammation, allergy, an autoimmune disease, graft rejection, cancer, an ifectous disease or an immunosuppressive disease.
 36. The method of claim 35 wherein the CCX CKR-mediated condition is inflammation. 